Parkinson’s has a significant impact on how people live. And, as it is a progressive condition, patients may become more reliant on family and friends as time goes on.

Anxiety

Anxiety affects around 40 per cent of Parkinson’s patients. While it’s normal to be concerned about taking medicines, their efficacy and wearing-off effects and the activities of daily living as the condition progresses, anxiety is characterised by symptoms excessive to what would be expected as a ‘normal’ reaction.

Patients may feel empowered if they can recognise anxiety and its causes, or if they have a strong network of family and friends. You can advise patients of the causes and symptoms of anxiety and encourage them to seek help when needed.

Speaking, writing and communication

People with Parkinson’s are likely to have some difficulty with communication. The majority of patients with Parkinson’s find the quality of their voice changes – they may begin to speak more slowly and quietly, becoming more monotonous. Referral to a speech and language therapist can be helpful.

Patients may also struggle to find words because of changes in cognition that affect their memory or their ability to process complex sentences and respond appropriately. Patients are also less able to manage several actions or thoughts happening at the same time, such as walking and holding a conversation simultaneously.

Reduced non-verbal cues greatly affect a patient’s ability to communicate. Altered body language, reduced hand gestures and facial expression (often described as mask-like) mean it’s more difficult for a Parkinson’s patient to connect and interact during a conversation. Handwriting also becomes small (micrographia) – typically an early sign of Parkinson’s.