La enfermedad de Parkinson (EP) puede afectar el estado de ánimo. Aprenda acerca de las causas, las señales y qué hacer. No está solo.
Hasta un 50% de las personas con la EP experimentan depresión o ansiedad.
Entienda las causas
Las mismas sustancias químicas del cerebro que afectan el movimiento en la EP pueden influir además en las emociones. Factores como la genética, el estilo de vida, el estrés y sobrellevar la EP también pueden desempeñar un papel.
Conozca las señales
Es normal sentirse triste, ansioso o sin ánimo de vez en cuando. Si esto persiste o afecta su vida diaria, busque ayuda.
Si no se controlan, la depresión, la ansiedad y la apatía pueden empeorar los síntomas motores e impactar en la calidad de vida.
Depresión: Tristeza crónica, falta de energía, pérdida de alegría, desesperanza
Ansiedad: Preocupación, miedo, estrés, nervios o irritabilidad excesivos
Apatía: Falta de motivación, desinterés por actividades que antes disfrutaba
Llame o mande un texto al 988 si está en crisis.
Qué puede hacer
Hable con su medico
Existen opciones que pueden ayudar, como la terapia hablada y los medicamentos.
Manténgase activo
Con solo 30 minutos de actividad moderada, como caminar o hacer yoga, su cerebro suelta sustancias que ayudan a reducir el estrés, la ansiedad y la depresión.
Busque apoyo
Recurra a sus amigos, familiars o algún profesional de la salud mental. Para orientación, llame a nuestra Línea de Ayuda al 1-800-4PD-INFO (473-4636), opción 3 para español.
Conéctese y participe
Programe tiempo para conectar con los demás y busque formas de involucrarse. Aunque no tenga ganas, mantenerse activo puede mejorar su estado de ánimo.
Episode 179: Understanding Depression, Anxiety, and Apathy
Depression, anxiety, and apathy are common symptoms that are often overlooked in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Nearly half of those living with PD are likely to experience depression or anxiety at some point, but these non-motor symptoms often go unrecognized and undertreated. Because their signs can overlap and mimic one another, it can be challenging to pinpoint exactly what someone is going through.
Depression is known for feelings of persistent sadness or hopelessness. Anxiety might look like constant worry, excessive nervousness, or getting upset easily. Apathy, which is sometimes mistaken for depression, is the lack of motivation or interest to do things you used to enjoy. These symptoms can greatly impact your quality of life and worsen other PD symptoms.
In this episode, we speak with Lauren Zelouf, MSW, LCSW from Penn Medicine’s Parkinson’s Disease & Movement Disorders Center, a Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence. She shares how to distinguish among these different symptoms, emphasizes the importance of recognizing the signs, and offers coping strategies for managing symptoms and seeking support.
Released: May 6, 2025
Lauren Zelouf, MSW, LCSW is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy and Practice, where she received her Master of Social Work in 2018. During her Master’s program, Lauren completed the Penn Aging Certificate (PAC) program and gained specialized skills and knowledge in the field of Geriatric Social Work. She completed her advanced-year field placement with the Penn Memory Center and stayed on as their Interim Social Worker in the summer following graduation. Lauren then spent two years as a Social Worker in a skilled nursing facility before returning to Penn Medicine.
Lauren is a member of the Pennsylvania Society for Clinical Social Workers (PSCSW), a support group facilitator for MSA NJ, a non-profit organization supporting those living in the tri-state area affected by multiple system atrophy, and an avid speaker in the movement disorders community. Lauren has done speaking engagements with MSA NJ, the Parkinson Council, CurePSP, the National Ataxia Foundation, and Mission MSA as well as for numerous patient and care partner programs. In her spare time, Lauren volunteers with the Jewish Relief Agency, a non-profit organization that provides hunger relief to residents in the greater Philadelphia area.
She has a passion for serving patients and families living with neurodegenerative disorders, and educating about the role of a social worker with this population. Lauren has been a Social Worker at Penn Medicine’s Parkinson’s Disease & Movement Disorders Center for almost five years.
Episode 178: Maintaining Independence When Living Alone with Parkinson’s
Living alone with Parkinson’s disease (PD) presents daily challenges, but it also offers certain benefits, such as the independence to control your own schedule. Whether you choose to live alone, or find that nearby friends and family aren’t as close as you would like, there are resources to support you.
Living alone can also bring physical and emotional hurdles. You may experience feelings of isolation or loneliness, and everyday tasks like cooking and cleaning can become more difficult while juggling PD symptoms. There are strategies that can help you feel more secured and empowered to overcome these challenges. For example, you might consider using a food delivery service on days when preparing meals feels overwhelming, or reaching out to a neighbor for help with shoveling snow. It’s important to prioritize self-care and recognize when it’s time to ask for help.
In this episode, we speak with Susan Englander and Fran Chernowsky, two individuals living alone with Parkinson’s who are also members of the Parkinson’s Foundation PD Solo group. They share their experiences with the initial challenges of receiving a PD diagnosis, the importance of staying open and flexible to new things, and the value of finding a supportive community.
Released: April 22, 2025
Speakers
Susan is an almost retired clinical social worker living in Boston. She was diagnosed with PD 6 years ago at 71 years-old and continues to lead groups for the families of cancer patients. She enjoys any outdoor activity and keeping up with old friends. She volunteers at a non-profit, doing restorative justice work with non-violent offenders. She will try anything chocolate, preferably dark varieties.
Fran Chernowsky is a volunteer member of the Steering Committee of PD Solo, a group of people around the country with Parkinson's who live alone. Although she is 79, Fran still enjoys her work as a freelance paralegal, which she describes as "ghost writing for lawyers". In her free time, she loves to read, play ping pong and games like Mahjong, studies languages, and loves computers and new technology. She also hosts a monthly book club meeting, travels to mystery writers’ conventions around the country, and tries to cook something interesting for dinner. Born and schooled on the East coast, she currently lives in Los Angeles.
Caring for the Mind: 12 Parkinson’s Mental Wellness Resources
At times, living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) can feel overwhelming. Managing symptoms, navigating physical and mental changes and making lifestyle adjustments can all take an emotional toll. As you find your path forward, it’s essential to acknowledge and take steps to care for your mental health.
Up to half of all people with Parkinson's will experience depression at some point, while 40% will experience anxiety. Nearly half of people with PD can also experience apathy, a loss of interest in life. These changes can be related to PD, due to a loss of dopamine and other chemical messengers the body makes to keep the brain healthy.
Whether you live with PD or you are a care partner to someone who does, it can be challenging to know where to begin. Explore our top resources that address mental wellness and PD:
1. Create space for all your emotions, even those of grief and loss.
Grief is a natural part of the Parkinson’s journey, especially following a diagnosis. Holding onto grief impacts your mind and body. Read 6 Questions for Exploring Your Parkinson’s-Related Grief to find healthy ways to honor and process feelings of loss.
Parkinson’s-related mood changes are commonly undertreated. There are screening tools and therapies available. Learn what to watch for and how to discuss treatment options with your doctor.
3. Cultivate a state of calm with Mindfulness Mondays, a series of guided relaxations.
Stress can worsen PD symptoms. Mindfulness, focusing on one thing at a time and blocking out distractions, promotes resiliency and reduces stress. Read Top Takeaways About Complementary Therapies and PD to explore more mind-body wellness practices.
Up to 14% of people receiving dopamine-replacement therapy can develop compulsive behaviors known as impulse control disorders. It is believed people perform these harmful behaviors (such as hypersexuality, hoarding or compulsive gambling) to relieve anxiety and tension.
5. Learn how Parkinson’s disease cognition – the mental skills we use to focus, solve problems, plan, follow instructions and more.
6. Break a sweat with our free, on-demand Fitness Friday workouts.
Exercise is medicine. Regular exercise can ease depression, anxiety and other non-movement symptoms of PD, as well as improve mobility and flexibility. Aim for at least 2.5 hours a week.
Restorative sleep helps repair the brain and body and enhances mental wellness – critical for people with Parkinson’s and care partners. Expert Tips on How to Get Good Sleep with Parkinson's also offers strategies to build a healthy sleep routine.
Gut and brain health are intertwined. A nutrient-rich diet – including colorful fruits and vegetables, beans, whole grains, poultry, nuts, seeds, fatty fish, olive oil and other healthy fats – can offer neuroprotective benefits and boost the number of good bacteria in the body.
10. Get social and connect with your PD community online or in person.
Loneliness can affect physical and mental health. Find your nearest Moving Day, A Walk for Parkinson’s to meet others living with PD or access wellness classes and other resources near you through the Parkinson's Foundation local Chapter network.
11. Don’t fear hard conversations. You are not alone.
People with Parkinson’s are at an increased risk of suicide. If you are struggling with thoughts of despair, opening up to someone you trust is the first step toward getting the help you need. How to Openly Discuss Suicide and Parkinson’s can help you talk about difficult feelings. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-273-8255.
12. Get inspired. Learn how others are navigating life with Parkinson’s.
My PD Story is a place for where people share how they are raising awareness of PD and overcoming its challenges. Learn what keeps others hopeful and consider sharing your own story.
We’re here for you. Contact our Helpline more information on mental health, referrals to professionals and resources in your area. Call 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636) or email Helpline@Parkinson.org.
Brain Inflammation Linked to Dementia Risk in Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease (PD) is known primarily for its movement-related symptoms, but it can also lead to dementia, a devastating decline in cognitive abilities. Nearly half of people diagnosed with Parkinson’s develop dementia within 10 years of their Parkinson’s diagnosis. Researchers are now looking closer at what happens in the brain early in the disease to understand why some people with Parkinson’s develop dementia while others don't.
A new study, published in Brain, focused on two key factors: brain inflammation (also called neuroinflammation) and the buildup of a protein called tau. Neuroinflammation, an immune response within the brain that is largely protective when working correctly, can release harmful chemicals that can damage or kill neurons when overactive, impairing communication between brain cells essential for cognitive processes. Tau protein, when misfolded and accumulated, forms tangles that disrupt how brain cells transport nutrients, preventing them from functioning properly and eventually leading to cell death.
Both processes can contribute to the progressive loss of brain cells and synaptic connections and may ultimately lead to the cognitive decline characteristic of dementia. However, it was not known to what degree these factors were linked to dementia risk in people with early-stage Parkinson’s.
Study Results
The study enrolled 31 people recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s (the average time since diagnosis was one year) and 19 people of similar ages that did not have Parkinson’s. Using specialized brain scans (PET scans), researchers examined brain inflammation and tau accumulation in each participant. In addition, levels of body-wide markers of inflammation and tau were evaluated through a blood test.
The researchers also evaluated the participants’ potential risk for dementia by assessing visual-motor skills, word recall and results from a genetic test (MAPT genotype) that is linked to dementia. Based on these test results, they divided participants into two groups — those at higher risk or lower risk for dementia.
The study found that people at higher risk for dementia showed significantly more brain inflammation in several brain regions compared to both those at lower risk and people without PD. This inflammation was also linked to poorer performance on a cognitive test (ACE-III). Additionally, the overall level of neuroinflammation correlated with the amount of body-wide markers of inflammation seen in the blood test. This suggests that a high level of inflammatory markers detected in the blood may be a sign of increased neuroinflammation.
Interestingly, while tau protein buildup was observed, it didn't seem to directly relate to cognitive decline. However, the study did find that more brain inflammation was linked to tau accumulation, particularly in the high-risk group.
People with Parkinson's scored lower on a cognitive test (ACE-III) compared to those without Parkinson's. Even within the Parkinson's group, those at higher risk for dementia scored lower on the same test than those at lower risk. Interestingly, the group at higher dementia risk had been diagnosed with Parkinson's for a slightly shorter time but showed more severe Parkinson's symptoms. There was no link between higher risk of dementia and age, gender, or the amount of Parkinson's medication someone took.
Overall, these findings suggest that brain inflammation is evident in the early stages of Parkinson's and may be a key factor in determining who develops dementia. On the other hand, accumulation of tau protein in early-stage Parkinson’s does not appear to correlate with dementia risk.
Highlights
The study enrolled 31 people who were recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s and 19 people of similar ages that did not have Parkinson’s. People with Parkinson’s were grouped into those with high- and low-risk for dementia.
People with Parkinson's scored lower on a cognitive test (ACE-III) compared to those without Parkinson's.
Using specialized brain scans (PET scans) and markers, researchers examined whether participants showed signs of brain inflammation and tau protein accumulation
People at higher risk for dementia showed significantly more brain inflammation in several brain regions compared to those at lower risk and people without PD.
Brain inflammation was also linked to poorer performance on a cognitive test (ACE-III).
What does this mean?
This study indicates that brain inflammation may be an early contributor to dementia in Parkinson’s disease. As a result, neuroinflammation could potentially be a useful biomarker to identify people with Parkinson’s who are at risk for dementia. This opens the door to potential treatments that target brain inflammation, possibly preventing or slowing the progression of dementia in people with Parkinson's disease. There are several anti-inflammatory treatments already licensed to treat other conditions, which could potentially be repurposed to help treat PD-related dementia. However, it could take many years before a treatment strategy to alleviate Parkinson’s-linked dementia becomes widely available.
What do these findings mean to the people with PD right now?
This study further solidifies the link between the brain inflammation people with PD experience and the risk for dementia. Parkinson’s disease dementia symptoms include potential thinking, memory and behavior changes — these symptoms can be wide-ranging. If you notice symptoms, talk to your movement disorders specialist about dementia concerns. While there is no way to stop the disease’s progression, a doctor can help manage the symptoms.
The Parkinson’s Foundation believes in empowering the Parkinson’s community through education. Learn more about the topics in this article through our below resources, or by calling our free Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636) for answers to your questions.
Mental health symptoms are common in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Learn the causes, signs and what to do. You are not alone.
Up to 50% of people with PD experience depression or anxiety.
Understand the Causes
The same brain chemicals that affect movement in PD can also impact emotions and behavior. Stress, isolation, life’s ups and downs and coping with PD also play a role.
Know the Signs
Feeling sad, anxious or unmotivated from time to time is normal. If these feelings last or interfere with daily life, reach out for help.
Depression, anxiety and apathy, if not managed, can worsen movement symptoms and impact quality of life.
Depression: Ongoing sadness, low energy, loss of pleasure, hopelessness.
Anxiety: Excessive worry, fear or stress, restlessness, irritability.
Apathy: Lack of motivation, disinterest in activities once enjoyed.
Call or text 988 if you’re in crisis.
What You Can Do
Talk to your doctor
Mental wellness care often includes lifestyle strategies, talk therapy and other forms of support. Sometimes, medications are needed too.
Keep moving
Even just 30 minutes of moderate activity, like walking or yoga, boosts brain chemicals that help reduce stress, anxiety and depression.
Seek support
Reach out to friends, family, counselors, support groups and other resources. For guidance, contact our Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636).
Stay engaged
Schedule time to connect with others and look for ways to get involved. Even when you don’t feel like it, staying active can improve your mood over time.
Parkinson’s disease (PD) doesn’t just change the life of the person diagnosed — it changes the lives of everyone around them. Seven years ago, my family’s world shifted when my dad was diagnosed.
Since then, it has been a battle, one that hasn’t gotten any easier. On top of Parkinson’s, he faces several other health issues making it an uphill climb. Through it all, my mom has been his primary caretaker, but this isn’t a journey any one person can take alone. We all live together, and we all do our part to support him in any way we can.
For as long as I can remember, sports have been the foundation of my relationship with my dad. He played college baseball, and I followed in his footsteps, always looking up to him as my biggest role model. Some of my best memories are of us throwing a football around in the yard or having a catch in the driveway.
It wasn’t just about the game — it was about the bond we shared through it. The physical toll of the disease slowly chipped away at the things we used to do together, until one day, those moments were gone.
Losing that connection to my dad through sports was one of the hardest parts of this journey. But Parkinson’s, for all the challenges it brings, has also shown me something else: strength. Not just in my dad, but in my entire family. It’s in the way my mom dedicates herself to his care every single day. It’s in the way my dad keeps fighting, even when his body makes it more difficult with each passing year. And it’s in the way we’ve all learned to adapt, to find new ways to be there for him, to make sure he never feels alone in this fight.
That’s why I’m running the 2025 Boston Marathon as a Parkinson’s Champion through the generosity of Abbott. I can’t change my dad’s diagnosis, and I can’t take away the struggles he faces, but I can run for him.
I can push myself the way he always pushed me to be better, to work harder, to never give up. This race isn’t just about me — it’s about honoring him, about raising awareness, about fighting for those who live with Parkinson’s every day.
Training for this marathon has been tough. Some days, the miles feel never-ending, and I wonder if I have it in me to keep going. But I remind myself why I’m doing this — for my dad. He faces challenges every day that make a tough run seem insignificant.
This race is my way of showing up for him. It’s a way to honor him and all that he has done for myself and my family even in the face of extreme adversity.
Run as a Parkinson’s Champion today! Help raise funds and awareness for the Parkinson’s Foundation while competing in some of the world’s most popular endurance events.
Nuestros 10 videos más populares acerca del Parkinson en español
Tanto si está recién diagnosticado con la enfermedad de Parkinson (EP) como si lleva años viviendo con ella, ¡a veces un breve video es todo lo que necesita para aprender algo nuevo!
Eche un vistazo a nuestros 10 videos más populares en español y vea cómo pueden empoderarlo para manejar sus síntomas con confianza.
Desde ejercicios de voz hasta entender las causas de la EP, estos videos en español ofrecen valiosos conocimientos, consejos de expertos y sugerencias prácticas.
Así como la EP afecta el movimiento en otras partes del cuerpo, también afecta los músculos de la cara, la boca y la garganta que se utilizan para hablar y tragar. Acompañe a la Parkinson’s Foundation y a la terapeuta del habla y el lenguaje Leslie J. Ledée Lozada en esta serie de ejercicios para la voz.
No importa en qué punto de la enfermedad de Parkinson se encuentre, el movimiento es medicina. Las investigaciones demuestran que el ejercicio y la actividad física no sólo pueden mantener y mejorar la movilidad, la flexibilidad y el equilibrio, sino también aliviar los síntomas no motores de la EP. Vea este video para aprender por qué debería hacer ejercicio y cómo puede mejorar su calidad de vida.
Aunque cada persona experimenta el Parkinson de manera distinta, existen algunos puntos en común. Vea este video para saber cómo están relacionados los factores genéticos y ambientales con la EP.
Aunque los síntomas y la progresión de la enfermedad son únicos para cada persona, conocer los estadios típicos del Parkinson puede ayudarle a anticipar y manejar mejor los cambios a medida que ocurren.
Hay mucho que saber acerca del Parkinson y el manejo de los síntomas. En este video, aprenda cómo se trata y, lo más importante aún, cómo vivir mejor con la EP.
Descubra cómo la atención plena (mindfulness) y la respiración consciente pueden ayudar a reducir el estrés y mejorar su bienestar. En esta sesión de Lunes de Atención Plena aprenderá técnicas sencillas para relajarse, centrarse en el presente y cultivar un mayor equilibrio emocional en su vida diaria.
Mental Wellness & Connection for Veterans with Parkinson's
Breaking the Silence: Mental Wellness & Connection for Veterans with Parkinson's
February 27, 2025
This program will bring awareness to the symptoms that are often unspoken among veterans with Parkinson’s. We will address the real impact of loneliness and isolation, offer strategies for managing post-traumatic stress disorder, and provide guidance on overcoming fears associated with symptoms. Explore resources and support options designed to relieve isolation and nurture meaningful connections.
Ellen Bradley, MD
Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Weill Institute for Neurosciences
My PD Story
Family Members
Ron & Amy McConnell
Our names are Ron and Amy, and we were first impacted by Parkinson’s disease upon Ron’s diagnosis in 2017. As a couple, we have truly walked through the “highs and lows” of this disease and understand the significant role it can play in daily life.
Ron began to develop symptoms after a tragic accident at work and was misdiagnosed for years — it took several failed attempts by medical professionals to determine the true cause behind the tremors, falling, and pounding headaches.
After numerous doctors visits, Ron was finally referred to a movement disorders specialist, who conducted a comprehensive clinical evaluation. Ultimately, a DaTscan revealed a severe dopamine deficiency, confirming his Parkinson’s diagnosis.
Following Ron’s diagnosis, he was prescribed Parkinson’s medications and our lives improved dramatically. In the years that followed, it was a relief to see symptoms subside through proper treatment and medication management. Amy is a “super caretaker” who helps us both navigate life with Parkinson’s disease. We are truly a team!
Unfortunately, we experienced an unthinkable hospital stay in 2023 after Ron developed a severe case of Covid-19. Prior to Ron’s emergency visit, we armed ourselves with his medications and Parkinson’s Foundation resources.
When we arrived, we requested that these be scanned into his electronic chart, knowing that it was essential that the medical team understood Ron’s diagnosis and the importance of administering his Parkinson’s medications in a timely manner. Despite being assured that Ron’s chart had been updated, we learned later that this had not been the case —– the medical team was unaware of his Parkinson’s.
As a result, Ron developed aspiration pneumonia and was even placed on a ventilator. He continued not to receive any PD medications. Despite Amy’s pleading, the medical team refused, and for the first time, Ron began to experience dyskinesia, a Parkinson’s symptom that culminated in a bad fall at the hospital. After days without medication, his condition worsened, leading to respiratory failure. It was truly a life-or-death situation.
Finally, a new doctor saw Ron and took the time to listen to Amy. He agreed to administer Parkinson’s medications and stuck close for several days throughout the recovery period. In the end, the doctor declared that we had made him an even better doctor, as he read through the resources Amy provided (like the Parkinson’s Foundation Hospital Safety Guide).
While we would never choose to relive this distressing experience, we are now passionate advocates for hospital safety in people with Parkinson’s and care tremendously about educating others.
What We Want People with PD and Care Partners to Know
Our experience has reinforced that knowledge is power. Patients and caregivers must be proactive and persistent in advocating for their needs. The Parkinson’s Foundation’s Hospital Safety Guide was instrumental in helping us navigate this crisis, and it has become a core part of our advocacy efforts.
Another crucial takeaway is the importance of the care partner. Amy’s advocacy made a profound difference in ensuring Ron’s needs were eventually met. In addition, we learned how critical it is to ensure accurate patient records, as errors and omissions in Ron’s medical records significantly impacted his care and delayed proper treatment.
As Parkinson’s Foundation Ambassadors, we have shared our story with hospital administration teams, and we’re proud that our advocacy has already led to positive changes in hospital policies and protocols.
We are honored to share our journey and hope that our experiences help others navigate similar challenges.
Our biggest piece of advice is to prepare yourself prior to a hospital stay. Do not be afraid to share information and resources from the Parkinson’s Foundation with the medical team. Keep positive, and never lose hope!
