How To Talk to Your Loved One With Parkinson’s Disease

 Parkinson’s Disease is a neurological condition that affects both motor abilities and mental health. The condition is often unpredictable, with symptoms subsiding one moment only to flare up the next. This can be quite challenging for patients and their loved ones to deal with on a regular basis.  Let’s understand what Parkinson's Disease is before we go into how you can help a loved one who suffers from it:

Understanding Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s Disease is a neurodegenerative condition that causes the gradual breakdown or death of nerve cells. It is characterized by decreased secretion of dopamine — a neurochemical that is responsible for controlling the brain’s reward and pleasure centers and regulating muscle movement.  There is currently no cure for the condition, although the best Parkinson’s Disease treatment can help manage the symptoms. 

Tips for talking to your loved ones with Parkinson’s Disease

Often, your loved one with Parkinson’s Disease may feel insulted or angry if you try to do things for them or show too much sympathy. Here’s how you can help them out while also allowing them to feel more in control.

Volunteer to help out with daily tasks

If your loved one is likely to be embarrassed or annoyed about you offering to help, do it in a manner that doesn’t seem intrusive or condescending. For example, you can surprise them with their favorite meal or pick up their groceries along with your own.

Sign them up for activities

Getting out and moving around or engaging in hands-on tasks are excellent ways for patients to have fun while also improving their fitness, balance, and memory. To make it more of an appealing offer, sign them up for joint classes with you, such as yoga or dance. You can also simply accompany them on a walk every day.

Be patient

People with Parkinson’s Disease may find it hard to speak clearly. Be patient whenever they are telling you something and keep smiling to encourage them. If they are having a lot of trouble articulating verbally, offer them a notepad, laptop, or tablet so that they can write it down. 

Make special plans with them

Your loved one with Parkinson’s Disease likely wishes they could indulge in the same fun activities that their friends and relatives can. A good way to cheer them up is by taking them out to dinner or a movie at a place that has an elevator or ramp to make it easier for them to move around. At the same time, be supportive if they feel unwell and cancel at the last minute.

Give them compliments

Patients with Parkinson’s Disease do not need to be told all the time that they look sick. If you want to ask them about their symptoms, tell them that they look great and ask them what they have been doing. This helps them feel positive about themselves and encourages them to talk of their own volition.

Hear them out

Patients with Parkinson’s Disease frequently suffer from anxiety and depression about having to deal with a chronic illness every day. Providing them with a friendly ear to help them vent or express their sadness in front of you can be a great comfort. Encourage your loved one to open up to you and let them know that you are there for them and that they can trust you. Further, always use empathetic language to let them know that you acknowledge their feelings.

Don’t talk about Parkinson’s Disease

Often, the best way to talk to your loved one with Parkinson’s Disease is by not talking about the disease at all. You don’t need to constantly remind them that they are unwell and need care. Instead, engage with them as you would with any family member or friend, such as by talking about books or movies or by sharing the latest news about your common friend circle.

Your loved one with Parkinson’s Disease may often go through intense emotional and mental distress and hence, will need extra love and support in addition to the best Parkinson’s Disease treatment available. By talking to them encouragingly, listening to what they have to say, and most importantly,  treating them as people who are more than their condition, you can provide them with the love, support, and understanding they need.