Parkinson's Disease and dementia

Over the years I’ve work with numerous people living with Parkinson’s Disease. I believe there were also people I worked with that I had no idea had Parkinson’s Disease. You want to know why? The symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease can be all over the place. It’s not just a disease with tremors.

Here are 3 things to know about Parkinson’s

1. Think of an image of what someone living with Parkinson’s looks like. How does it feel to be around them? What do you notice about their symptoms? My brain went to someone with movement issues. Someone who had trouble with their balance and walking, while also having difficulty with speaking. This is the most obvious appearance of Parkinson’s. Did you know there’s more to this disease than movement?

Parkinson’s occurs in the part of the brain that controls movement, but it also occurs in relation to brain health aka, mental health, as well as cognitive domains in the brain. Yes there is more to this disease than trouble with motor symptoms.

2. According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, “About half of the people living with Parkinson’s will develop dementia symptoms on their journey through PD.” Not all who receive a Parkinson’s diagnosis will develop dementia. It is something to be aware of, but know it is not a clear path.

2. There is no one-size fits all to living with Parkinson’s. There are medications available to help with some symptoms, but not all. The one piece of research that is held onto tight, is that people living with Parkinson’s need to keep moving and exercising. The Parkinson’s Foundation has a whole host of resources on how you can find exercise programs near you. You can find that here.

3. Something about Parkinson’s connects a population of people living with it, to their creative part of the brain. My experience with this creative piece is when I ran an open studio group in an assisted living and large portion of the participants were living with Parkinson’s Disease. As they worked, I noticed a reduction in their tremors and an increase in their ability to focus, while also being able to have a fluid conversation at the same time. The creative parts of the brain can still light up, even when you’re living with Parkinson’s. Some of my friends in that group have now passed on, but the physical memory of freedom from their diseases while creating art, will live on forever in my heart and memory.

Looking to stimulate someone you know or love’s creative side with a Parkinson’s diagnosis. We are here to help. Head to our main page to learn move about how art can help them.