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.

 

 

Tuesday 4 on Wednesday

 

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

Have you ever seen the Milky way or been to one of the designated blacks out areas where no light can obscure the starry night?

Nope the only Milky Way I ever see is the chocolate one which I like to eat.

"The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament shows his handiwork." 

Are you in awe of the starry skies. Do they inspire faith for you?

Yes, I am in awe of the starry night skies, I enjoy just sitting in quiet looking at the stars. They don’t impact my faith in any way.

Have you ever wished upon a star or seen a meteorite fall to earth?

Yes, as a child I did wish upon a start sometimes, I don’t think I have ever seen a meteorite.

Do you think money is wasted on the space program that might be better used on earth?

Oh yeah, I have often thought too much money is spent on different space programs, when more money is need for health and education.

 

Just some more 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.

What does patriotism mean to you? 

Simple being proud of your country, it isn’t something I feel the need to in your face.

2. September-October-November...your favorite fall month? Tell us why. If you live in the southern hemisphere, use these months but sub spring for the word fall. 

I love that the weather is warming up and generally the days are neither cold nor hot, although this spring we are having a lot of hot like summer days.

3. A song you love with the word thanks (or some form of that word) in the title or lyrics?

Thank God I’m a country boy by John Denver, love that song

4. November is National Peanut Butter Month. Are you a fan? What's the last peanut butter bite you had? Fill in the blank: peanut butter and _____________________ . 

Oh, and you can't say jelly. 

Peanut butter and nothing except some butter on the bread or crumpet first. Yes, I am a fan of peanut butter.

5. This week's gratitude question-What event from this past year are you most grateful for? 

I have thought about this, and I can’t think of a single event, there have been many little things I have been grateful for during the year.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

The time often comes when someone starts to realise what true happiness is and it’s not the size of your house, or how new your car is, or how successful other people think you are.

Instead, happiness is often being thankful for the little things in life, things like the feel of a breeze against your body or the way clean sheets feel. Seeing or hearing from someone important to you or the way your pet reacts when you return home.

 

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're stealing from Jess Riley Writes. She puts a unique spin on the "desert island" concept by allowing us three choices in three categories.

The Desert Island Meme

You're stranded alone on a desert island ...

1) Which three BOOKS could you read over and over again?

• Any of the Spenser series by Robert Parker
• Anything by Dick Francis
• Anything by Arthur Upfield

2) Which three MOVIES could you watch over and over again?

• The Santa Clause
• Die Hard
• Anything with Clint Eastwood in it
• 3) Which three SONGS could you listen to over and over again?  

• Anything by the Monkees
• Anything by Nickleback
• Anything by Dr Hook

 

Tuesday 4 on Tuesday don't faint

 

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

What kind of weather and temperatures make you feel most comfortable, most healthy?

I like it when it’s not real cold or real hot, I do prefer it to be warm over cold.

Do you like the colours associated with Autumn. Clothing wise do they look good on you?

I had to think about what are autumn colours for a moment then asked Google because my brain couldn’t come up with anything, anyway yeah, I like reds and orange and yellow and yeah, I do feel I look good in such colours, not so keen on brown though.

Would you rather: … 

get lost in a corn maze or go on a hayride? Hayride

• visit an apple orchard or a pumpkin patch? Apple orchard
• eat a caramel apple or a candy apple?  Caramel apple
• have some cinnamon buns or Pumpkin muffins? Cinnamon buns

There are 7,500 varieties of apple.  What is your favourite, and do you regularly eat apples? What fruits do you keep on hand?

Pink lady apples are my favourite, I usually have apples and mandarins

 

 

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.

Besides Thanksgiving, something on your November calendar you're looking forward to? 

Well, I don’t even have Thanksgiving, but I do have my birthday on the 16^th and on the 14^th I am booked into get my train tattoo.

Dictionary. com's word of the year is '6-7'. Huh? 

Is it even a word??? I had to consult the internet to find out it's meaning because apparently, I'm old and this particular slang is not part of my vocabulary. Is it part of yours? According to the article I read, it's a viral term, more of an inside joke with an unclear meaning driven by social media.

What do you think? 

Never heard of this so-called word, sounds odd to me

Dictionary. com says it's selection each year is a 'linguistic time capsule reflecting social trends and events, but they also admitted to being confused by '6-7'. Some say it means so-so and is sometimes accompanied by the up and down hand motion we associate with the phrase so-so.

What word do you think would have made a better choice? 

I have no idea

What's a food, trend, activity, or thing people love but you think is just so-so? 

Carrot cake or Black Forest cake

Are you a tea drinker? Hot or cold? How do you like yours and at what time of day? Do you like flavoured teas or teas billed as calming, energizing, healing, etc? 

Nope don’t like tea

5. The November Hodgepodge has always included a weekly gratitude question. Here's the question for today-what are three things that make your heart sing? 

Seeing my grandchildren happy

Being home alone

Feeling like me and not a disabled version of me

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Today’s random thought is this quote from Nick Ortner

Look up and you’ll see the sky.
Look down and you’ll see the ground.
Look for anger, you’ll find it.
Look for joy, there it is.
Look for fear, find it staring back at you.
Look for hope, and feel its warm embrace.
You decide where to look.
Where are you going to look today?”
– Nick Ortner

 

 

 

Tuesday's 4

 

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

1. Do you play a musical instrument? 

No I do not

2. Have you taken music lessons? What kind. If not, is there one you might enjoy learning. It is never too late to start.  You might be surprised at how accomplished it will make you feel.

As a teenager I tried to learn to play the guitar, but I couldn’t get the hang of it

3. Is there music in your home as background to your day's activities or do you have music playing in your car, etc.? If so, what kind of music do you enjoy hearing?
What kind of music do you NOT like?

Hope nothing playing in the background or in the car, I like most music, not a fan of heavy mental or techno music

4.  Do you have a favorite composer or genre of music that you like most? Maybe you like several. Please share with us your thoughts?

I can’t think of a favourite composer, I really like rock and roll as well as country music

Stealing Sunday on Monday

 

 

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

 

1. What was the last thing you laughed at?

Something my sister sent that she found of Facebook

2. Who among your friends/family "gets" your sense of humour?

My youngest daughter and my granddaughter Sam, also my sister Sue

3. What jewellery are you wearing at this moment?

My rainbow sleepers

4. If you could offer one bit of etiquette that everyone should follow while dining out, what would it be?

Don’t get drunk and embarrass yourself and those with you

5. What's the first thing a guest would notice when they walked through your front door?

The photos on my walls

Friday's Fave Five

 

Thanks to Susanne who reminds us each week to look back and find the things we need to be thankful for.  Join in here.

Ok my first time joining in here, what have I been thankful for this last week let me think.

Ok first up not having ingrown toenails like my sister Sue has and needing anaesthetic to have it dug out.

Not having thumbs that look like big toes, these are called brachydactyly type D my sister Sue has these types of thumbs.

Having my sister Sue in my life, she is my rock.

Not falling over.

Tuesday 4

 

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

Do storms frighten you or make you cautious?

Yes, some storms do scare me, but generally they don’t

2. What is the worst weather you can remember?

Had to think about this, what sticks in my head was a bad storm when I was a child and my mum had to ring the ambos as my sister Jeannie was having a terrible asthma attack and had to go to hospital, the wind was so strong mum said it made the ambulance rock. I remember the windows in the house rattle.

3.Are you in a personal storm right now and do you need our prayers to help you through it?  I think many bloggers are prayer warriors indeed.

I believe in the power of pray and personally I am struggling at the moment with dyskinesia because of having Parkinson’s.

4.  What is the best advice you can give to others about weathering storms of any kind.

Stay inside out of the storm, have candles or torches ready, and just stay calm.

 

A bit of 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.

Are you a risk taker? To what degree? 

No bloody way do I take risks

What's your favorite candy? Would you say you have a sweet tooth? 

Liquorice allsorts or chocolate and yeah, I have a sweet tooth

Somewhere you've been recently that had you feeling 'like a kid in a candy store'? 

A Christmas store with all sorts of Christmas decorations

What do you think is the most effective way to make a positive change in the world? 

Kindness and compassion

Do you like surprises? 

Sometimes but mostly not so much

Insert your own random thought here.  

Remember there is only one you, there may be many sides to you as well as many layers but at the core there is you and you are unique. Embrace who you are, remember you matter, smile and laugh when you can, if life feels hard have a good cry and mediate.  Then remind yourself that you are unique and that makes you who you are, if you feel inclined to ask God to help you accept that you are important and you matter.

 

 

Stealing Sunday

 

Here are some questions I found over here.

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.

We found this one at CreativeGene, who stole it from someone named "Randy" because "it looks like fun." Let's see if you agree.

Four 5's

FIVE things on my to-do list:

1. See my podiatrist

2. Try and have a daily nap

3. Sort through my Christmas cards

4. Clean the windows

5. I have nothing else

FIVE snacks I enjoy:

1. Kettle sea salt chips

2. Liquorice allsorts

3. Ice cream

4. Cheese and crackers

5. Corn chips

FIVE places I have lived:

1. Gateshead, NSW, Australia

2. Warners Bay, NSW, Australia

3. Haven’t lived anywhere else 

FIVE jobs I have held:

1. Office cleaner

2. Typist in some office

3. Mother

4. Grandmother

 

We're Family

 This is a slightly altered poem by Carol Thomas, called I’m So Glad We’re Family

Family is a feeling of forever, without having to say the words.

It’s a feeling of love without needing to explain why.

It lives in the deepest places of the heart where memories are kept, where laughter is free and unspoken and never broken.

Nothing could make me feel better than having you as a sibling. I know you will always be there for me when needed, loving and supporting me.

We have a connection between us that nothing can ever change, I love that we are family because you all are wonderful and will always hold a special place in my heart.

An orange hodegpodge

 

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.

What do you like most about your family? 

How close knit we are and that we are supportive of each other

What's something nice that's happened to you recently? 

I can’t think of anything

Do you like the colour orange? Besides a pumpkin and an actual orange, what's something orange you love?

Yes, I like the colour orange, and I like mandarins

What's something you have now you couldn't have imagined having five years ago? How does that make you feel? What's possible now because of it? 

Parkinson's disease, I hate it, very little

Let's wrap this one up with an October this or that...

• pumpkin bread or apple cider donut Donut
• cozy sweater or cozy hoodie Sweater
• apple picking or pumpkin picking Neither
• scary movie or Hallmark movie Hallmark movie
• hay ride or corn maze Hay ride
• twinkle lights or candles Twinkle lights
• autumn hike or autumn bonfire Bonfire

Insert your own random thought here. 

This weeks random thought is a quote from Tasha Conhran.

“Spend time thinking about what matters to you and what you find to be meaningful. Invest in those things. It’s wonderful when you can live your life in accordance with your own values rather than what other people tell you what you should want. Leave everything else behind because it really doesn’t matter if it doesn’t bring you joy.”

-Tasha Cochran