How the personality changes of Parkinson’s can affect relationships

I’ve heard many stories about Parkinson’s disease changing relationships. Some community members observe personality changes that make their partner feel like a stranger again. Others notice inconsistencies in their loved one’s behavior, such as mood swings and ambivalence. Sometimes the affected relationship survives the changes. Other times, it…

In Harmony: Navigating Relationships and Parkinson’s

The COVID-19 pandemic has led many of us to realize how much relationships, interactions with others, and social support mean to us. We as humans were created to be social. For people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and other chronic illnesses, the isolation, anxiety, and depression may feel even greater. During…

How a ‘Support Partnership’ Helps to Improve Life With PD

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month. Maybe there were special awareness months in previous years, but this year has eclipsed them all with dire intensity that erases memory. It’s been one heck of a year. Mrs. Dr. C and I have managed by functioning harmoniously (most of the time) to…

How We Make Our Relationship Work With Parkinson’s

“Mrs. Dr. C, I’d like to know how you are doing,” says Neo, Dr. C’s inner voice that facilitates conversations. “Recent events have been stressful, yet you and the good doctor seem to stay calm. There is almost no effect on your relationship. Most couples would have had at least…

Young Onset Parkinson’s Presents Unique Challenges, Article Asserts

People with young onset Parkinson’s disease have unique features that should be taken into account when providing care and conducting research, a recent review article highlights. The paper, “Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease: A Modern and Tailored Approach,” was published in the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease. Parkinson’s usually…

Choosing What to Do When Bad Things Happen

“I’m still not feeling well. I should go to the doctor,” said Mrs. Dr. C with a pained look. I gave her a quick glance and without even a hesitation in garden shoveling, said, “OK. It’s important you attend to your health.” She asked if I would like to go…

Parkinson’s Disease Is a Silent Thief

I read somewhere that Parkinson’s disease robs people of who they were, who they have been, and the person others have known. It affects marriages, too. I read this on the tailcoat of writing about Parkinson’s and the role it can play in the intimacy of marriage. It’s…