Navigating the Holidays When a Loved One Has Parkinson's Disease

Navigating the Holidays When a Loved One Has Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder that leads to uncontrollable movements, such as shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with coordination and balance. It can also lead to rigidity of facial expressions and have cognitive effects in its later stages.

As we enter the festive holiday season, you may wonder how your loved one will cope with all the activity when they’re not at their best. Our expert team of neurologists at Memphis Neurology diagnoses all types of neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson’s, and offers this advice.

What causes Parkinson’s disease?

Some research suggests that Parkinson’s affects more men than women, though it’s not clear why, as men don’t have more or different risk factors than women that we know of. A clear risk for both genders, though, is age.

Most people (90-95%) develop Parkinson’s disease after age 60, but about 5-10% experience an early-onset form before they turn 50. Early-onset forms of Parkinson’s are frequently, but not always, inherited. Interestingly, while some forms have been linked to specific changes in the person’s genes, they rarely run in families.

The major signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s occur when nerve cells (neurons) in the basal ganglia, an area of the brain responsible for movement, become impaired and/or die. Normally, these neurons produce an important neurotransmitter: dopamine; when they’re adversely affected, they produce less of it, leading to the characteristic movement problems of the disease.

Scientists still don’t know what causes the neurons to die, but studies are ongoing.

People with Parkinson’s also lose the nerve endings that produce norepinephrine, the main neurotransmitter of the sympathetic nervous system, the vast network that controls bodily functions such as heart rate and blood pressure.

Norepinephrine loss might help explain some of Parkinsons’ non-movement-related symptoms, including fatigue, irregular blood pressure, and decreased food movement through the GI tract.

In addition, many brain cells of people with Parkinson’s disease contain Lewy bodies with unusual clumps of alpha-synuclein. Scientists still don’t know much about the normal or abnormal functions of alpha-synuclein or the protein’s relationship to the genetic variants that lead to the development of Parkinson’s and Lewy body dementia.

Parkinson’s symptoms

Parkinson’s has four primary symptoms:

  1. Tremor that affects hands, arms, legs, jaw, and/or head
  2. Muscle stiffness, especially contractions
  3. Slow movement
  4. Impaired balance and coordination, leading to falls

Other symptoms may include:

Parkinson’s symptoms and the rate of progression differ between people. Early symptoms are usually subtle and occur gradually. Friends or family members may be the first to notice something wrong. For example, they may see that the person’s face lacks expression and animation or that they don’t normally move an arm or leg.

Some people with advanced Parkinson’s experience changes in cognitive function, including difficulty with memory, attention, and the ability to plan and accomplish tasks.

As the disease progresses further, some are diagnosed with “Parkinson’s dementia,” a type of Lewy body dementia. These individuals may have severe memory and thinking problems that affect their daily activities.

Navigating the holidays with Parkinson’s

The holidays might not be particularly happy for you because of common Parkinson’s symptoms, including depression or anxiety; difficulty with walking, balance, or speech; or problems with thinking and memory recall. However, you can still have a good time with these helpful tips.

Open up to someone you trust

Tell them what you’re feeling and how they can help—anything from just listening to check in with you to organizing a low-key party.

Choose your social events thoughtfully

Consider your stressors (e.g., family dynamics or difficulty communicating in crowds) and set limits. That could mean missing a party or two or telling the hostess you must leave early. You control the narrative.

But remember that socializing leads to people living happier and more fulfilled lives. A positive conversation at a party can boost your mood.

Give yourself a break

With Parkinson’s, you’ll have good days and bad days. Don’t make the holidays stressful by trying to do everything. Ask for help when you need it.

Put yourself first

Make yourself and your health a priority. Exercise regularly for overall health and because it eases some Parkinson’s symptoms. Eat healthy, but allow yourself a holiday treat or two. And above all, reduce your stress load. Meditation or talk therapy are good places to start.

Are you concerned about navigating the holidays with a loved one who has Parkinson’s disease? Memphis Neurology can help. Call us at either our Southaven, Mississippi, or Germantown, Tennessee, location, or book online today.

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