How Do I Manage Parkinson’ s Mood and Memory Changes?
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Not everyone with Parkinson’ s experiences mood or memory and thinking( cognitive) changes. For those who do, these changes happen in different ways and to different extents. For some, these symptoms are, unfortunately, among the most challenging aspects of Parkinson’ s. Cognitive symptoms in particular can be difficult to fully address with current treatment options.
There are two main drivers of mood and cognitive changes. The first is disease biology: It affects the brain chemicals— like serotonin, dopamine and others— that regulate emotions and thinking. The second is stress and the emotional strain of living with a long-term illness. Stress can temporarily worsen any symptom, both motor and non-motor.
Depression and Anxiety
Fifty percent or more of people with Parkinson’ s can experience mood changes like depression or anxiety. Mood changes impact quality of life and lifestyle choices; they can also worsen movement symptoms, make medication feel less effective or interrupt sleep or muddy thinking. For these reasons, it’ s important to recognize and treat mood symptoms as they arise. As a care partner, you may be the first to notice mood changes, even before your loved one does.
If sadness, constant worry or a lingering“ cloud” start to affect daily life, remind your loved one that this isn’ t a personal failure; it’ s part of Parkinson’ s. Choose a calm, private moment to share what you’ ve noticed and speak from a place of care:“ You haven’ t been laughing at the shows you usually enjoy.”
Let them know that many people feel better talking with a mental health therapist or taking medication, and that counseling and medication are normal, proactive steps, much like seeing a physical therapist for help with movement. Counseling provides a safe space to process emotions, learn coping strategies and sort through the uncertainties of Parkinson’ s.
Offer to reach out to their Parkinson’ s doctor or to find a therapist covered by their insurance, schedule the first appointment or arrange a video visit if travel is difficult. Remind your loved one that mood changes can— and should— be treated. Medication, therapy and even exercise are all very effective, especially in combination. This isn’ t something to try to“ pull yourself out of.”
Apathy
As Parkinson’ s progresses, many people may notice a different feeling taking hold: apathy. Apathy is a common but often overlooked symptom. It’ s more than just feeling tired or unmotivated for a day or two: it’ s a loss of interest, drive or emotional engagement that can affect daily life. It’ s not the same as sadness or depression— although it can accompany depression. It’ s a symptom of Parkinson’ s disease, linked to brain changes. Sometimes, though, apathy can be mistaken for not caring or laziness.
A person experiencing apathy might stop initiating activities they used to enjoy, like gardening or meeting with friends. They may not get dressed for the day without prompting. They may seem indifferent to things they once cared deeply about, such as hobbies, social events or household projects. Apathy can also show up as taking much longer to start simple tasks, not following through on plans or seeming emotionally“ flat” during moments that would usually bring excitement or concern. This can be frustrating for care partners whose encouragement to engage in beneficial activities, like exercise or socializing with others, can seem to fall short.
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