October 21, 2024 by
When most people think of Parkinson’s disease, tremors or difficulty moving likely come to mind first. But if you’re caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s, you may have noticed they’re dealing with so much more than just movement issues. Parkinson’s hidden symptoms, such as depression, sleep problems, and cognitive changes, can have just as much of an impact on daily life, but often go unnoticed or untreated. Understanding these symptoms is crucial to providing the best possible care for someone you love with Parkinson’s disease.
- Mental Health and Cognitive Changes: Parkinson’s disease can affect the brain in ways that go far beyond movement, often causing mental health and cognitive issues. The person diagnosed may experience depression, anxiety, or apathy, which can make it hard for them to find joy in daily activities or even get motivated to move around. Depression is particularly common in Parkinson’s and can be triggered by both the disease itself and the emotional toll of managing a chronic condition.
Cognitive changes, such as memory problems or difficulty concentrating, may also arise as the disease progresses. This can be frustrating for both you and the person you love, especially when you notice them struggling with tasks that used to come easily. It’s important to recognize these symptoms early and work with healthcare providers to manage them, as treatments such as therapy or medications can help.
- Sleep Issues: Sleep disturbances are another common non-movement symptom of Parkinson’s disease. Sleep issues can include insomnia, frequent waking during the night, or vivid dreams and nightmares. Restless legs syndrome and REM sleep behavior disorder, where individuals physically act out their dreams, are also more common in those with Parkinson’s.
Sleep problems can make daily life even harder, leading to increased fatigue, irritability, and a lower quality of life. Establishing a bedtime routine, limiting caffeine intake, and ensuring a comfortable sleeping environment can help, but sometimes medical intervention may be needed.
- Autonomic Nervous System Symptoms: Parkinson’s doesn’t just affect the brain—it also has an impact on the autonomic nervous system, which controls automatic functions like blood pressure, digestion, and temperature regulation. You may notice the person experiencing constipation, urinary problems, excessive sweating, or a sudden drop in blood pressure when they stand up, known as orthostatic hypotension.
These symptoms can be uncomfortable and disruptive, but there are ways to manage them. For example, dietary changes can help with constipation, and compression stockings or increased water intake may help alleviate low blood pressure. Consulting with a healthcare provider is key to finding the right treatments.
- Sensory and Pain Issues: Some individuals with Parkinson’s also experience pain, which may be caused by muscle stiffness or cramping. Sensory changes, such as a reduced sense of smell or vision problems, are also common. These symptoms can add to the physical discomfort and emotional stress that are often part of Parkinson’s.
Addressing pain and sensory issues requires a holistic approach that may include physical therapy, medications, or adjustments to daily routines to ensure the person remains comfortable.
Home Care Can Help
Caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s is much easier with a skilled and compassionate partner by your side. We equip our caregiving team with the training needed to provide the exceptional level of care older adults deserve. Let us support you and an older loved one in Camillus, Syracuse, Fayetteville, or the surrounding areas in Central New York. Call us at (315) 579-HOME (4663) to learn more.