Don’t be afraid to seek help when caring for loved one with Parkinson’s
Dear Mary,
My husband has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He is very angry and demanding; he tells me to leave him alone. I am angry, too; I can’t deal with this behavior. What should I do?
Dear Reader,
I am so sorry for how hard these changes are for you and your husband. Keep in mind that you must take care of yourself; also keep in mind your husband cannot control what is happening to him.
Most people understand that Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement and results in such symptoms as tremors, slowness, stiffness, loss of balance and difficulty with speech and writing. But you might not know that sometimes medications given to manage these symptoms can cause behavioral, emotional or psychological problems. These problems can be especially difficult for their loved ones and caregivers.
In addition, those who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease might also — understandably — exhibit signs of anxiety and depression as they recognize that their lives will change, and they worry what that might mean in the future. Depression, apathy and withdrawal from things they previously enjoyed are also common.
Many family members caring for a family member diagnosed with Parkinson’s notice major personality changes. Initially, you might notice your loved one is no longer as friendly or affectionate. As time goes on and the disease progresses, those personality changes often become much more visible. Neurological changes in the brain can exhibit in personality changes — a conscientious person might become careless; an easy-going person might become stubborn; an outgoing individual might not want to leave the house.
Parkinson’s patients might experience hallucinations that range from mild to severe, pleasant to frightening. Sometimes, patients describe the sensation of feeling a presence near them or of seeing something passing on the periphery of their vision. Some hallucinations might by delightful; other hallucinations can be dark or upsetting. The patient might become alarmed at the sight of bugs on the floor or on their body or when sensing a stranger’s presence in the house; some might believe family members or strangers are stealing from them. Again, the person with Parkinson’s disease is unable to control these behaviors.
If the changes in your loved one become too difficult to handle, of if you just need a better understanding about what is happening, do not hesitate to contact their physician. As with anxiety and depression, these personality changes are often treated with a mixture of therapy and prescription medications. Therapy might include counseling, psychotherapy and support groups.
At some point, you and your loved one might benefit from having a professional caregiver help with everyday tasks. You, as a caregiver, need to make time for your own personal care — doctors’ visits, exercise, socialization — so you can recharge your batteries and continue to provide care. Your husband might also enjoy a companion to socialize with.
Keep in mind not everyone diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease will develop the symptoms discussed above. But if you husband is affected by any of the non-motor symptoms such as depression, anxiety, anger and irritability, it can have a huge impact on his and your quality of life.
Talk with his healthcare providers who can the help address and manage his symptoms.
Dear Readers: If you have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease or are caring for someone who has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, there is a support group in Anne Arundel County specific to your needs. The Parkinson’s Disease Support Group meets on the third Friday of the month at 1997 Annapolis Exchange Parkway, Suite 310, Annapolis. For more information call or email Tom Bolander (410703-3014; tbolander@ comforcare.com).