Pillar 1:
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Pillar 1:
Talk Early, Talk Often
Bernard Whitman( right) and husband Constantin Mitides at their home in New York City. Constantin has supported Bernard since his Parkinson’ s diagnosis in 2018. Bernard underwent deep brain stimulation surgery in 2023.
Communicate: It’ s our— and our community’ s— top tip for navigating life and care partnership with Parkinson’ s. Communication is more than“ just talking”; it involves active listening, understanding and working together. Most importantly, it involves connection.
It may sound simple on the surface, but many things can get in the way good communication, including the following:
+ Digital devices can be distracting or lead to miscommunications. While some people prefer communicating over text or email, others may find it frustrating( especially when Parkinson’ s impacts hand movements).
+ Parkinson’ s— and general aging— can bring symptoms, like hearing loss or lower vocal volume, that impact how we hear and converse with others.
One of the hallmarks of good communication is when both people feel safe being open and honest. Each can share their true thoughts and feelings, essentially“ putting themselves out there” without worry about what the other person thinks or how they’ ll respond. This vulnerability creates connection, which boosts brain health, deepens your relationship and lessens loneliness.
+ Some topics are simply hard to talk about. We tend to push those aside because we don’ t want to think about, deal with or put energy toward them.
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