Communicating With A Loved One With Parkinson’s Disease

1. Communicating With A Loved One With Parkinson’s Disease

2. Understanding Parkinson’s Disease Parkinson’s Disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative conditions in the world. It primarily damages the dopamine-producing neurons in a specific area of the brain called Substantia Nigra. The cause of Parkinson’s Disease is unknown, though it is usually a mix of genetic and environmental factors. As Parkinson’s progresses, it affects movement and gait, and can lead to psychological symptoms such as paranoia or hallucinations. Treatment for Parkinson’s Disease include Stem Cell Therapy, Regenerative Rehabilitation Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech Therapy. Caring for a loved one who has Parkinson’s can be hard. Not only does the condition affect their ability to perform daily tasks, but it can also make it harder for them to communicate effectively. Patience goes a long way in helping them open up, while external aids can also help.

3. How Parkinson’s Disease affects communication Parkinson’s Disease patients often experience difficulty with speaking. • Some may develop a soft hoarse voice that makes it difficult to hear what they are saying • Others may exhibit a stutter or a slur in their speech • Others may even have trouble comprehending speech • Patients are often unable to make appropriate facial expressions, which can be perceived as disinterest, posing a challenge in keeping the conversation going The other major challenge to communication is mental health. 90% of Parkinson’s patients experience Depression, both as a symptom of the condition, and a result of the frustration of being chronically ill. • This can make them withdraw emotionally • Patients are often conscious about being sick and thus refuse to talk about their symptoms

4. How to communicate effectively with a Parkinson’s Disease patient • Focus on the conversation: Engage in one-on-one conversation where both parties are sitting or standing, while maintaining eye contact • Observe the ideal time for conversing with the patient: Depending on what their medication schedule is, there may be various ‘on’ and ‘off’ times for them with regard to activities like conversations • Keep it simple: Make the comprehension process easy for the patient • Offer them tools: If a spoken conversation seems difficult, offer them a touchscreen tablet to type instead of speak, or a small wearable microphone if their voice has softened • Avoid talking only about disease-related topics: Talk about things that they enjoy, such as books, music, or movies • Be patient: Let them take their time and avoid showing impatience or trying to finish their sentences for them

5. How to communicate effectively with a Parkinson’s Disease patient 7. Take breaks when needed: By taking breaks you avoid the risk of burnout or revealing your frustration to the patient 8. Consult a speech therapist:Speech therapists can work with the patient to improve their control over their mouth and tongue muscles to help them talk more easily It is essential to show empathy and patience above all else. Be attentive and listen actively if they express feelings of sadness or frustration. By simply showing that you care, you can maintain a strong bond and get them to open up to you in their own way.

6. Thank you.