Getting early Parkinson’s psychosis care for your parent
Fact-checked by If your parent is living with Parkinson’s disease, you may eventually notice changes that go beyond symptoms that affect mobility. Some patients begin to see, hear, or sense things that others do not. These experiences can be part of Parkinson’s psychosis.
These symptoms are more common than many families realize. Research suggests that 20% to 40% of people with the disease experience hallucinations or delusions. Recognizing these signs early and discussing them with your parent’s care team can help guide care decisions.
Signs to watch for in your parent
Spotting early Parkinson’s psychosis symptoms may be difficult because they are often subtle and may be mistaken for normal aging or fatigue. Your parent may also feel embarrassed or unsure about how to talk about what they are experiencing.
While symptoms can look different from person to person, Parkinson’s psychosis most often appears as hallucinations, illusions, or delusions.
Hallucinations
Hallucinations in Parkinson’s involve seeing, hearing, or sensing things that are not actually there. Hallucinations may last only seconds or minutes. You might notice your parent:
- seeing people, animals, or unfamiliar figures
- hearing voices, music, or knocking that others do not hear
- talking to relatives, neighbors, or pets that died long ago
Illusions
Illusions are similar to hallucinations but occur when something real is misinterpreted. These experiences can happen when the lighting is dim or when an object is viewed from a distance. Examples of illusions may include mistaking a shadow, a coat rack, or a lamp for a person, or believing someone moved in the room when it was only a shifting shadow.
Delusions
Delusions in Parkinson’s are beliefs that are not based in reality, even when evidence suggests otherwise. Your parent might:
- think a family member is trying to deceive them or has moved their belongings
- worry that someone is stealing from them
- believe that someone is trying to send them secret messages
Some people recognize that these experiences are not real, while others feel certain they are true. Paying attention to these everyday changes can help with symptom monitoring and make it easier to describe concerns to your parent’s care team.
Talking to your parent about changes
Starting a conversation about psychosis symptoms can feel uncomfortable, especially if your parent has not noticed the changes. Using supportive communication strategies can help keep the discussion respectful and calm.
Helpful approaches include:
- choosing a relaxed moment instead of bringing up concerns during stress
- acknowledging their experience without arguing about what they are seeing or hearing
- reassuring your parent that these symptoms can happen in Parkinson’s disease
- focusing on what you have observed rather than on making assumptions
These conversations are part of caring for a parent with Parkinson’s and can encourage your parent to talk openly about symptoms that might otherwise go unreported.
When and how to seek professional help
If you notice signs that your parent is experiencing hallucinations or unusual changes, contact their Parkinson’s neurologist or care team.
Preparing for appointments by using a symptom journal can help the care team understand what’s happening. It can include:
- when symptoms started
- what your parent experienced
- any recent infections or medication changes
- changes in sleep, vision, or overall health
Treatment options for early Parkinson’s psychosis
Treatment for early Parkinson’s psychosis usually focuses on balancing movement-related symptoms and daily function with managing Parkinson’s nonmotor symptoms.
Care teams often take a step-by-step approach that may include:
- monitoring mild hallucinations before starting treatment
- reviewing other medications that could contribute to psychosis
- adjusting dosages of current Parkinson’s treatment options or trying alternatives
- considering antipsychotic medications designed to reduce hallucinations or delusions
Supporting your parent day-to-day
Daily routines and supportive environments can help reduce confusion and improve safety at home.
Helpful care partner tips include:
- increasing lighting to reduce shadows that may trigger visual illusions
- keeping familiar objects and routines consistent
- creating a safe home environment by, for instance, reducing clutter in commonly used spaces to help prevent falls
- continuing regular symptom monitoring
If your parent experiences hallucinations or delusions, try to remain calm and reassuring. Avoid arguing about what they are experiencing. Instead, acknowledge their feelings and redirect the conversation when possible.
Resources for families
Supporting yourself is also important when caring for a parent with Parkinson’s. Managing stress for care partners is important because they often juggle work, family responsibilities, and caregiving duties, which can create emotional and physical strain.
Focusing on what you can control — such as staying active, eating well, getting quality sleep, and maintaining social connections — can support your overall health.
It’s also essential to acknowledge the emotional impact of your parent’s diagnosis and seek support when needed. Protecting your well-being and focusing on what gives your life meaning can help you support your parent as you navigate uncertainty.
The following care partner resources offer Parkinson’s support groups and other helpful tools and strategies for managing stress:
- Parkinson’s Foundation
- American Parkinson Disease Association
- Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson’s
Supporting a parent with Parkinson’s can be challenging, but it can also strengthen family bonds. With the right information and Parkinson’s care partner support, you can help protect both your parent’s quality of life and your own.
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 other 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.
