Parkinson's Lifestyle Management

Emotions Apathy

by | Apr 25, 2019 | Emotions | 43 comments

A significant worry and problem with regards to non-motor issues with Parkinson’s is the decline of interest and motivation in everyday activities. A good example is when an individual have difficulty to summon the motivation to get out of bed and start everyday activities. This could often be the consequence of Parkinson’s disease apathy which unfortunately is a frequent symptom. This symptom may have an impact upwards of 60% of individuals with Parkinson’s and can come about during any stage of the progression of the disease. Those individuals who appear to be most vulnerable suffer from depression, anxiety or have cognition issues. Also individuals who are older or possess very significant symptoms of Parkinson’s will be at greater risk to develop apathy. The most visible symptoms are lacking interest in participation with life in general as well as the ability to start and complete simple daily tasks. It is simple for people near to the situation such as family members and also friends to disregard as being lazy or not necessarily interested. The actual reason might be the brains physiology changed relating to the depletion of dopamine. Then with Parkinson’s disease the significant outside factors which are every changing making it difficult to maintain and adjust to life with Parkinson’s.

Apathy possesses numerous prospective consequences having wide-ranging effects. That may well consist of much less physical activity which will deteriorate mobility that will certainly increase the risk of falls. Socialization and also social interactions tend to be halted and additionally this is a lead in for depression. When apathy takes place the consistency of taking medications might become problematic that leads to additional problems and again increasing the risk of falls.

Furthermore remember friends and loved ones of an individual with apathy are likewise impacted — relationships may be stressed as friends and loved ones take on additional caregiving efforts.

This is extremely important to remember, apathy isn’t your fault. It is a symptom associated to the Parkinson’s disease and the chemical alterations in the brain. This is precisely why open continuous dialog with your Physician and health care team is vitally important since there may be medications to assist an individual to manage this symptom.

Treatment of apathy concentrates on behavioral modifications as individuals with apathy generally don’t recognize there is a problem. It is typically friends and family who notice behavior or personality changes that will result with engagement of a physician. If the diagnosis of apathy is confirmed, lifestyle adjustments may be recommended.

Here are a few recommendations which may help enhance your participation in daily life activities:

  • Create a schedule of daily activities with start and completion times. Write these down so they are visible, like on the refrigerator, on a grease board, in a daily planner. Then cross off when the task/activity is completed.
  • Schedule daily as well as weekly leisure activities, then participate in them.
  • Be nice to yourself and give rewards for accomplishments and meeting your goals, take yourself to a movie or out to eat. Be good to you for performing effectively.
  • Find other people to help by asking them to be part of an activity. You will be amazed how many people will enjoy the activity as well as the socialization. The socialization is just as important as completing the activity.
  • The greatest counter stress activity is exercise, not only does it help manage Parkinson’s it also has an effect on the brain releasing chemicals that increase motivation and mood.
  • You have to get sleep because it has such a profound impact on your daily life including motivation. This may require medical management but also schedule your nighttime routine. Avoid things that will cause stress prior to bed, like foods, caffeine, television and Newspapers. Set up your bedroom to create an environment for sleep.
  • Get out and enjoy life, leave the house, do you exercises outside and catch some rays (vitamin D). Go do things away from the home.

It is extremely important to manage apathy. The discussions and involvement of your support team, primary physician, psychiatrists, psychologists when necessary. Don’t let apathy bring you down and have a negative impact on your quality of life.

This is important to be aware there is a distinction between depression and apathy. Depression brings about emotions of worthlessness or guilt. An individual with apathy does not really feel sad but rather has emotions of being emotionally flat or simply no mood at all. But with both depression and apathy the individual does not enjoy life or things that they always enjoyed doing.

Regrettably there are no many medication available for the treatment of apathy. There can be an increase in the dopamine replacement treatments which may or may not be of benefit to some people. This is something your physician will have to monitor very carefully. The medications used for the treatment of depression or dementia may also may be helpful. But the best is the behavioral adjustments to lifestyle to manage apathy which also is to manage PD for a quality of life.

43 Comments

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