Depression and Parkinson’s Disease

 

This is an AI written post.

 

Depression and Parkinson’s Disease

Introduction

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects movement, but its impact extends well beyond the physical. One of the most significant non-motor symptoms associated with Parkinson’s is depression. In Australia, as in other parts of the world, recognising and managing depression in people with Parkinson’s is crucial for improving quality of life and overall wellbeing.

What Is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease is characterised by the gradual loss of nerve cells in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra. This leads to a reduction in dopamine, a chemical messenger that plays a key role in controlling movement. Typical symptoms include tremors, muscle rigidity, slowness of movement, and impaired balance. However, Parkinson’s also affects mood, cognition, and behaviour.

Depression in Parkinson’s Disease

Depression is common among people with Parkinson’s, affecting up to half of all patients at some point during their illness. It is more than just feeling sad or low; depression can be a persistent condition that interferes with daily functioning, motivation, and relationships. It may occur before the onset of motor symptoms, during the course of the disease, or as a reaction to the challenges of living with a chronic condition.

Why Does Depression Occur in Parkinson’s?

The relationship between Parkinson’s and depression is complex. Biological changes in the brain—such as reduced dopamine and serotonin—play a role, but psychological and social factors, including coping with physical limitations and the stigma associated with chronic illness, also contribute. Australians living with Parkinson’s may face additional barriers, such as distance from specialised care, limited local resources, and social isolation, particularly in rural and remote areas.

Symptoms of Depression in Parkinson’s Disease

·       Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness

·       Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, including social gatherings and hobbies

·       Changes in appetite or weight

·       Sleep disturbances (insomnia or excessive sleeping)

·       Fatigue and lack of energy

·       Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions

·       Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt

·       Thoughts of death or suicide

Impact on Quality of Life

Depression can worsen the physical symptoms of Parkinson’s, making movement and coordination more difficult. It can also reduce motivation to adhere to treatment plans, participate in exercise, or engage with support networks. For many Australian patients, depression leads to a diminished sense of independence and increased reliance on careers and family.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosing depression in Parkinson’s can be challenging, as some symptoms overlap (e.g., fatigue, sleep changes, slowed movement). Health professionals use a combination of clinical interviews, questionnaires, and observation to assess mood and mental health. Treatment options include:

·       Medication: Antidepressants may be prescribed, but careful selection is needed to avoid interactions with Parkinson’s medications.

·       Psychological therapies: Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and counselling can help patients develop coping strategies and address negative thought patterns.

·       Social support: Support groups, community programs, and family involvement are vital, especially in the Australian context where isolation may be a concern.

·       Lifestyle changes: Regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and engaging in enjoyable activities can improve mood and overall health.

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A not thanksgiving hodgepodge

 

Here I am doing another hodgepodge which is brought to you by Joyce over at http://www.fromthissideofthepond.com/

Here are this week’s questions.

Do you feel like you have a 'full plate' at the moment? In what way? 

Nope my plate is empty, as I generally don’t go out much

How did you learn to cook? If you have children, did you teach or encourage them to cook? Do you like to follow a recipe or is your cooking style more 'let's wing it'.  

I don’t know how I learnt to cook, I just did when I was 14 I started cooking tea (dinner) for the family on the days mum was at work, I would have it ready by the time she got home.

Last time you bit off more than you could chew? Elaborate. 

I can’t remember I guess the closest I would get is when I think I am able to walk further then I really am able to do, I also have times when I start to sort through things only to find that the task is harder for me to do then I thought it would be.

When did you last say, 'the more the merrier' and mean it? 

I haven’t said that is so long

Write an acrostic using the word T-H-A-N-K-S. 

T reasures found in simple moments, 

H earts uplifted by kindness shared, 

A llowing gratitude to shine brightly, 

N ever forgetting the joy of giving, 

K nowing each smile makes life richer, 

S howing appreciation in every way. 

Insert your own random thought here.  

Remember we are all worthy of love, we don’t need to change anything about ourselves and deserve unconditional love.

 

 

 

Tuesday's 4

 

Welcome back to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4, who can be found here: https://lemonscottage.blogspot.com/

This coming Thursday is Thanksgiving Day when we gather together to ask the Lord's blessing as the song says.

What are your Thanksgiving Days like?

Ok I am an Aussie so I don’t do Thanksgiving but I will swap it over for Christmas

Do you celebrate with family, friends or by yourself?

With family my brother and sister-inlaw host a siblings Christmas lunch a few days before Christmas Day, on Christmas Day I spend the day at home with Tim while Tasha and Blain, Jess and Sam come over to see me. Boxing Day Tim and I go to Kathy’s for lunch.

Do you watch the Thanksgiving Day parade from Macy's in New York City?  The appearance of Santa at the end signals the start of the Christmas season.  What does the day hold for you?

Let’s swap Macy’s parade for Carols in the Domain and my answer would be I like to watch some of it, Tim doesn’t so if he is home I don’t what it.

What foods are the hit of Thanksgiving Day for you?

Turkey, ham, baked spuds and a Pavlova for dessert

We say grace before and after meals. Is grace a part of your Thanksgiving meal?

We did when mum and dad were alive but since they passed, we no longer do

Whatever your Thanksgiving traditions, I pray that the day is meaningful and filled with love for you whether with family, friends or alone. May God shine his blessing love down on you and yours and make us all truly thankful this year.

 

Stealing Sunday

 

 

Welcome to Sunday Stealing, 

Here we will steal all types of questions from every corner of the blogosphere. This is what I have for this week. I found the over here. ?ttps://lemonscottage.blogspot.com/2025/11/sundays-monday-morning-meme.html

This week we are once again stealing from Steph, aka Cry Baby.  She loves Taco Bell and asking questions like these.

Revisiting Steph:

Has anyone ever told you "I love you" but you didn't say it back?

Nope can’t remember that happening

Do you consider yourself organized?

It has taken me a while to realise that I am organised.

Where do you look first when you go clothes shopping?

In stores it was always Miller’s but since they closed it is usual Kmart or Best & Less

Online it is Temu, I have bought a number of clothes items from them without any issues

Do you often reflect on your past in terms of eras or milestones

No, I don’t

Were you more recently ill or injured (flu vs twisted ankle)

Injured, the last time I fell over a few months back, haven’t been unwell in a bloody long time.

 

 

New Tattoos

 This is what my new tattoo looks like

What is a sister

 

      A SISTER IS SO MANY THINGS

 

She is the one person who may feel whole with, the one you share who really are with.

She knows where you’re coming from all you’ve been through and everything you’re dreaming about.

She is the one you can tell anything to ask anything of and do anything for.

She is then one you can tell your deepest thoughts too without fear of judgement.

She is the one that just spending a moment with chases away your sadness and puts a smile on your face.

She seems to often know what you need and when you need it in that special away a sister does.

She believes in you, accepts you and respects you, she holds a special place in your life, your heart and soul.

She is often more then a sister but is also a friend.

 

Now I know not everyone is lucky enough to have such a relationship with their sister, but as most know I am very close to all my siblings.

A thankful hodgepodge

 

Here I am doing another hodgepodge which is brought to you by Joyce over at http://www.fromthissideofthepond.com/

Here are this week’s questions.

 

Let's do our gratitude question first this week...what's the best thing about your home, and have you taken time to enjoy it lately? 

That my family live close by and I can ring and say I need help and they are here in no time, this I did this morning when I needed help with the Christmas decorations, I rang Sam and she was here in a couple of minutes.

Do you like squash? Of the varieties listed, which one's your favorite and how do you like it prepared? Is squash of some sort on your Thanksgiving menu?? 

acorn, butternut, delicata, spaghetti, zucchini, crookneck (yellow squash), patty pan

No thanksgiving here but that said I do like what you call butternut squash, but we call butternut pumpkin, I liked it baked.

Last time you were 'squashed in' somewhere, or felt squashed? 

I can’t remember the last time I felt squashed in any way.

Have you ever played squash? What about other 'racquet sports' such as racquetball, tennis, pickleball, badminton, table tennis (ping pong)? Are these sports something you enjoy? 

I played squash in high school for sport during I think two terms but that is the only time I have played it, I played tennis with some women including my mum way back when I was in my late 20’s and early 30’s.

Something in today's society or culture that feels like a 'racket' to you? If you don't like that one, tell us about a place you've been recently where there was a lot of 'racket'. 

There are many things that are a racket, but I can’t think of any of them at this time.  Of when the neighbours next to Jessica are fighting, they are making racket between the adults and yelling and the kids sometimes crying.

Insert your own random thought here. 

Remember gratitude helps us feel the quiet joy that comes from the ordinary, every day things going on around us, it transforms chaos into clarity, scarcity into sufficiency, and pain into peace.

The moment you are grateful for what you have, the universe gives you more to be grateful for.