How Dad manages the unpredictability of Parkinson’s fatigue
There isn’t always an obvious explanation for the shifts in his energy
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Some of my earliest memories of my dad depict him like a superhero — the guy who would work all day before coming home and tossing his kids over his shoulder. He had a vitality that practically swirled with enthusiasm. After work, he could be found at the latest theater production, a sports game, or a concert. But a few years after his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2013, his energy started to wane. He seemed to have less emotional and physical tolerance for social events.
At first, I imagined this shift was partially due to the visibility of Parkinson’s disease. It was hard for him to go out in public only to be stared at for his tremors, especially when he was among people he’d known for most of his life. But as the years flew by, I began to realize that the shift in his energy wasn’t always connected to his willpower. Sometimes the disease just took over, leaving him struggling to maintain equilibrium in his social life.
When people think about Parkinson’s disease, they often picture symptoms like tremors, stiffness, and changes in walking. But fatigue also affects many people with the disease. In fact, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation, fatigue is a major problem for about half of those with Parkinson’s, while a third of people with the condition say fatigue is their most disabling symptom.
Unlike typical tiredness, Dad finds that Parkinson’s fatigue is noticeably unpredictable. One morning, he might feel ready to take on his daily tasks, but by mid-afternoon, he’s ready for a nap. And there isn’t always an obvious explanation for the shifts in his energy.
Through my own research, I’ve learned that people with Parkinson’s use several different strategies to manage fatigue. One option is to budget energy. Dad simply does less than he used to do — and that’s OK. Spreading activities out over the course of the day can also make them easier to manage. On weekends, Dad still likes to cut the grass and tend to his home. But unlike his younger self, he often needs plenty of time between major physical tasks.
He also rests more than he used to. It’s not uncommon to find him relaxing in the afternoon after he gets home from a workout. And part of what drives his need for rest is less refreshing nighttime sleep. Sometimes his tremors keep him awake, which makes it harder to fall into deep sleep.
Since Parkinson’s varies so much from day to day, Dad has to adjust his strategies and expectations about what he might accomplish. But that seems to be a natural part of managing the disease.
Note: Parkinson’s News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Parkinson’s News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Parkinson’s disease.
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