Understanding the Mental Health Effects of Parkinson's Disease

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Understanding Parkinson's disease is often associated with the impairment of brain nerve cells that make it difficult for the body to control various movements. However, Parkinson's patients also experience other equally distressing symptoms, such as loss of sense of smell, constipation, and even mental health issues like depression and sleep disturbances.

For patients experiencing symptoms beyond motor capabilities, known as non-motor symptoms, it affects their mood and emotional well-being. According to the Parkinson's Foundation, Jessica Shurer, the Director of Clinical Affairs and Advocacy, stated, "All chronic and progressive disorders (of Parkinson's) are mixed with physiological aspects and can affect patients emotionally."

They also explained that apathetic traits can emerge in Parkinson's patients, along with anxiety. Unfortunately, these symptoms are rarely treated and generally overlooked because the focus is always on the motor symptoms of Parkinson's.

In advanced Parkinson's conditions, untreated mental changes can lead to decreased thinking and memory abilities. Consequently, other types of Parkinson's, such as Lewy body dementia, may develop. Not only that, there is also a possibility that patients may experience hallucinations.

Why Does This Happen?

In the world of Parkinson's patients, the condition of the patient's brain is already imbalanced from the beginning, causing imbalances in brain chemicals, including dopamine, which also contributes to controlling other body hormones. As a result, as reported by Parkinson.org, changes in mental well-being are also affected, especially if patients do not receive adequate nutrition and comfortable sleep.

In a study published in the National Library of Medicine, 40 to 50 percent of Parkinson's patients experience depression. They experience depression ranging from early-stage depression to major depression, which is a result of brain nerve degeneration. Patients experience substantial cell death in the locus coeruleus, resulting in brain morphological changes and a decrease in serotonin levels that help improve mood.

Parkinson's Patients' Families May Also Suffer from Stress

Moreover, families caring for Parkinson's patients may also experience mental disturbances because the symptoms exhibited by patients actually become a burden for those who care for the patients.

According to Hopkins Medicine, Parkinson's disease requires much more attention, not to mention that Parkinson's treatment can also produce other side effects.

In caring for patients with Parkinson's disease, a deeper understanding is also required because the symptoms of Parkinson's and the side effects of Parkinson's drugs can be similar. Families caring for patients must also be flexible to always be present in all doctor's appointments. Therefore, it is highly recommended for the patients' families to join a supportive group to exchange stories about their difficulties and minimize the risk of stress or even depression.

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