Do you feel lonely and have Parkinson’s disease? You are not alone. Many people face the same situation and challenges as you. Loneliness and Parkinson’s disease can affect your health and well-being, but you can cope with them. In this article, you will learn:
- What is Parkinson’s disease and how it affects your brain and body
- How loneliness can increase your risk of getting Parkinson’s disease
- How to cope with loneliness and Parkinson’s disease by seeking help, finding support, staying connected, engaging in social activities, and taking care of yourself
What is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder that affects your movement, balance, and mood. It happens when some nerve cells in your brain die or get damaged. These cells make dopamine, a chemical that helps you control your movements and emotions. When you have less dopamine in your brain, you may have symptoms such as:
- Shaking or trembling in your hands, arms, legs, or face
- Stiff or rigid muscles
- Slow or difficult movements
- Balance or coordination problems
- Speech or writing changes
- Loss of smell or taste
- Depression or anxiety
- Memory or thinking problems
Parkinson’s disease usually affects older adults, but it can also affect younger people. The cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown, but it may involve genes, environment, and lifestyle. There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but there are treatments that can help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
How Loneliness Can Increase Your Risk of Parkinson’s Disease
Loneliness is not just feeling alone or isolated. It is also feeling disconnected from others, lacking meaningful social relationships, or having a low sense of belonging. Loneliness can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or social status.
Loneliness can harm your health in many ways, such as:
- Raising your blood pressure and heart rate
- Weakening your immune system and making you more prone to infections
- Increasing your stress hormones and inflammation
- Reducing your sleep quality and quantity
- Impairing your memory and learning abilities
- Increasing your risk of depression and anxiety
Loneliness may also be linked to Parkinson’s disease. A recent study followed nearly 500,000 people for over 15 years and found that those who reported feeling lonely were 37% more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease than those who did not. The table below shows the results of the study.
| Loneliness status | Number of people | Number of people who developed Parkinson’s disease | Risk of developing Parkinson’s disease |
|---|---|---|---|
| Not lonely | 444,596 | 1,409 | 1 (reference) |
| Lonely | 37,308 | 191 | 1.37 (37% higher) |
The researchers suggest that loneliness may trigger stress in the brain, especially in people who have other vulnerabilities. They also propose that loneliness may affect other factors that are linked to Parkinson’s disease, such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, depression, and cognitive decline.
How to Cope with Loneliness and Parkinson’s Disease
If you are feeling lonely and have Parkinson’s disease, you can cope with both of these challenges by:
- Seeking professional help. If you are depressed or anxious, talk to your doctor or a mental health specialist. They can provide you with counseling, medication, or other therapies that can help you feel better.
- Joining a support group. A support group is a place where you can meet other people who have Parkinson’s disease or similar conditions. You can share your experiences, feelings, challenges, and tips. You can also learn from experts who can offer you information and advice on how to manage your condition.
- Staying connected with your family and friends. Your family and friends are your most important source of support and comfort. Keep in touch with them through phone calls, video chats, emails, letters, or visits. Let them know how they can help you with your daily needs and activities.
- Engaging in social activities. Social activities are not only fun but also good for your health and well-being. Participate in activities that interest you and make you happy. For example, you can join a club, volunteer for a cause, take a class, attend a religious service, or go to an event.
- Taking care of yourself. Taking care of yourself is essential for coping with loneliness and Parkinson’s disease. Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, avoid smoking and alcohol, and follow your doctor’s recommendations for your treatment.
Loneliness and Parkinson’s disease are both serious and challenging issues that can affect your life. However, they are not insurmountable. By seeking help, finding support, staying connected, engaging in social activities, and taking care of yourself, you can overcome loneliness and Parkinson’s disease and live a fulfilling and rewarding life.
