Parkinson’s Moods

How do you know if you are just having an off day or if you are having another symptom of your chronic medical condition? Good question, but a tough one to answer. For many who do not know, mood changes, depression and anxiety are all major symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease. Most of the time, these specific symptoms get lost in the shuffle because other physical signs dominate the picture. Tremors, stiffness and imbalance are more visual and thereby attract most of the attention given to the PD patient. Yet, mood changes, depression, sleep troubles and anxiety may cause patients the most difficulty . Treating these silent symptoms are crucial for patients to live a better quality of life with PD.

It seems obvious that people who endure years of a medical disorder will be depressed, but that is not necessarily the case. Much has to do with the ability to maintain a normal lifestyle and treat the disease as something to deal with, but not let it overcome you. The best way to do this is by working with a health professional who is a partner in your care. Managing your symptoms depends greatly on the ability to clearly articulate what you need. For some Parkinson’s patients, the need for sleep is the number one concern. Remember dopamine replenishes while you sleep and increasing the dopamine levels is crucial to PD patients.

Other patients suffer with tremors that dominate everything they do. The correct combination of medications can control these movements and thereby help with the fatigue that accompanies the constant shaking. I have a great relationship with my neurologist who has been open about my ability to alter my meds as necessary. Stressful situations take a toll on my tremors and I know to alter my Sinemet accordingly. It is a constant balancing act (no pun intended) seeking the ideal medication routine, but it is part of life for a person with PD.

Also prevalent in most PD patients is mood changes. They can occur at any given time on any given day without rhyme or reason. Just knowing this can happen can be helpful. It is important to discuss this with your health professional because there are specific treatments which can greatly help you. Medications for anxiety, depression and sleep disorders are available to Parkinson’s patients. Also, there are many treatments other than meds that benefit PD patients and actually contribute to feelings of well being. Specifically, I have found exercising that is FUN is very important for reducing mood changes and making me feel better about life. I like combining different physical activities throughout the week. I mix things up by doing Zumba, yoga, walking and line dancing.. There is an added advantage of doing these activities with friends making them social actitivies as well as physical ones.

Mood changes are difficult to deal with, but know there is help. Talk with your health professional and counselors. Get plenty of rest, keep active with fun things and know mood changes are part of PD.
They can be treated and managed.

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