Learning More About Parkinson’s Disease In Boise, ID

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a central nervous system disorder that primarily affects seniors age 60 and older. There are a variety of symptoms associated with PD and most, both motor and non motor, will begin gradually.

Many people are familiar with the motor difficulties that come with PD, however, it is important to keep in mind that you or your loved one may experience non motor symptoms as well. Non motor symptoms can include things like constipation, drooling, vision problems, and hallucinations or delusions. 

Did you know that it is estimated that around 50% of people with PD will experience hallucinations or delusions?

Why Might People With Parkinson’s Experience Hallucinations And Delusions?

As of now, there is no accurate way to predict which people with PD will experience hallucinations or delusions. There are, however, a couple theories about why they occur in the first place. One theory is that they are simply a natural progression of PD, while another suggests that they may be a side effect of certain dopamine therapies. Risk factors include:

• Certain medications that increase dopamine levels 
• Duration and severity of Parkinson’s 
• Getting older 

Healthcare providers may refer to these hallucinations or delusions as Parkinson’s Disease Psychosis, or PDP.

Are There Signs To Be Aware Of?

There are a number of signs that your loved one may be experiencing hallucinations or delusions. Here are a few of the most common ones:  

Signs that a loved one may be experiencing hallucinations can include: seeing, smelling, tasting, hearing, or feeling things that are not really there. 

Signs that a loved one may be experiencing delusions can include: 

• Thinking someone is trying to steal from, harm, or deceive them
• Believing their loved one is being unfaithful
• Thinking a TV show or song is talking directly to them 

Hallucinations and delusions can increase in severity over time and cause undue stress or anxiety for your loved one. If left unchecked, they can make it harder for the person who is experiencing them to determine what is real vs. not and may increase the need for assistance within the home. 

If you believe your loved one is experiencing hallucinations or delusions it is extremely important to consult with their PD specialist. 

How In Home Care Can Make The Difference 

No matter what age we are, young or old, there are times when we need a little bit of help and this is where a Comfort Keepers™ caregiver can step in! Not only can our caregivers provide people with PD crucial in home care and assistance with day to day activities, they provide Interactive Caregiving™.

Interactive Caregiving™ is our in home care philosophy that states that seniors are happiest and healthiest when they are supported mentally, physically, and socially. Our caregiver will work with your loved one to create meal plans, exercises, puzzles, and social activities that they can look forward to and enjoy. From spending time with friends and family, to watching their favourite TV shows, to telling stories about their past, we want to provide your senior with the support they need to do more than simply view. 

If you’d like to learn more about how a Comfort Keepers® caregiver can assist you or your loved one with Parkinson’s Disease, our full list of in home care services available in Boise, or if you’d like to schedule your free care consultation, please contact us online any time or call us at (208) 357-4595.

Resources For People With Parkinson’s Disease

• National Parkinson’s Foundation Improves the lives of people with Parkinson’s by improving care and advancing research toward a cure. They build on the energy, experience, and passion of their global Parkinson’s community.
• American Parkinson’s Disease Association (APDA): The American Parkinson’s Disease Association is the largest grassroots network dedicated to fighting Parkinson’s disease and works tirelessly to help the approximately one million people with Parkinson’s to live life to the fullest. 
• The Michael J. Fox Foundation For Parkinson’s Research: The Michael J. Fox Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease through an aggressively funded research agenda and to ensuring the development of improved therapies for those living with Parkinson’s today. 
• Davis Phinney Foundation For Parkinson’s: This foundation provides essential information, practical tools, and inspiration to people living with Parkinson’s and funds early phase, innovative research that focuses on exercise, speech, movement, and other factors that affect quality of life. Their goal is to help people with Parkinson’s live well today.