Episode #20: Common signs of apathy and depression in Parkinson's patients

The Secret Life of PD: While Brian and I may be cheerful today, there were and still are those "darker days" with Parkinson's. Over 50% of PD patients deal with non-motor symptoms, including apathy (feeling joyless / emotionally flat); and depression (a shorter change in mood vs. a constant state of sadness). Make note of changes in your feelings and behavior. These symptoms are commonly overlooked and untreated.

[@rolandmcteague3997]

Things I like about this channel on PD - JK and BB are full/frank and open - They are open and honest - They get good PD topics and knowledgeable people - They really listen and ask sensible questions

[@danacaro-herman3530]

As a nurse who's husband was recently diagnosed with Parkinson's, depression is not the word. Apathy and loss of interest due to neurophysiological changes that are happening in the brain is what the female podcaster was I belief speaking of. Im witnessing it now with my dearest husband, especially in the morning and in the evening

[@thesecretlifeofparkinsons]

Hi! I'm Jessica, the one in the video - and yes, I agree that depression is the not the word. I'm learning so much every day (I'm now 5 years into my diagnosis) and even though I always heard the word, apathy, being tossed around, I also stumbled upon this word: Anhedonia, which I learned is the lack of enjoyment or pleasure. Have you ever heard of it? It's exactly how I "felt" at that time, but no one ever described it that way or with that word. Just curious with your background as a nurse if you're familiar with it. I'm sorry your husband is dealing (and you are dealing) with this non-motor symptom. It really sucks. Here's another video I did, "live" when I was at home going through the apathetic feeling. Not sure if it helps, but it's a good reminder for me how I need to handle those times. Everyone is different, but this is how I go through it. kzbin.info5wMyeH5hhqk?si=1jv0dM5Dbnc5DdA_

[@danacaro-herman3530]

@@thesecretlifeofparkinsons Thank you for the video, I was in psychiatry for many years in practice. My husband has apathy, it does seem the two could be interrelated. Anhedonia I saw a lot in depressed patients. My belief with any type of alterations in neurotransmitter activity however many symptoms seem to overlap. God bless you Jessica and Brian too, it's a tough disease. We fight everyday so my husband doesn't progress. Sending love and prayers 🙏❤️

[@thesecretlifeofparkinsons]

Thank you for sharing. God bless you both as well!

[@bradkeough8073]

I have had PD for 16 yrs now and have Apathy, I find it hard because shrinks equate Apathy and depression as one. I am not depressed I just don't care. Things that use to bother me don't i.e. death of family members or trama I seen in the military (Thats is a blessing if you ask me hahaha.) The big thing with Apathy I just don't care about things like Christmas, going places like Disney or just have no desire to get up and leave the house. I will fake it when around people that don't know me.

[@thesecretlifeofparkinsons]

Have you tried anything like Zoloft? Even though it’s for depression and anxiety, it helped with my apathy.

[@kylebosley9540]

Hey Jess 👋 I have CD myself. Grandpa died from PD, so a huge advocate ! ❤

[@anjafzal]

I just subscribed, I stumbled across this channel. My dad has PD, and I find your videos very helpful in understanding his condition.

[@thesecretlifeofparkinsons]

Thanks! Glad you found us! Let us know if there is a topic you are interested in.

[@elaineporter182]

Good description of apathy definitely different from depression. My doc started me on Effexor and we’ve increased the dose in the hope that it will help with the apathy cause the depression has lifted

[@StaverMarilyn]

Thank you!

[@toryberch]

I have had apathy since 2006. It is for me a feeling like I'm just going through the motions each day. I lost the ability to cry as well. If someone is crying and sad in front of me I have to tell myself to respond appropriately to show empathy because I want to, but it's like it's not there. It is awful for sure to not feel joy

[@thesecretlifeofparkinsons]

I agree. It's also awful to not feel or show the pain. Both my grandmother's died within 1 week of each other during COVID and I didn't cry. My daughter just left for vacation with a friend and her family for a week (first time she's away for that long) and I didn't shed a tear. Just weird.

[@toryberch]

@@thesecretlifeofparkinsons Jessica, I know I agree it's so weird .I'm so sorry you lost both grandma's to Covid.

[@prakashpachhai731]

Good programme l also. Pationtof Parkinson before tenyear

[@charleslobaido8403]

Thanks Brian and Jessica for your insights ❤ Happy New Year ❤

[@thesecretlifeofparkinsons]

Same to you!

[@bigdog62362]

Love your podcast.😊

[@thesecretlifeofparkinsons]

Thank you so much 😊

[@Ann-sf6od]

Thank you for discussing this! This happens to me as well. Apathetic and depressed. But I hate to take more medicines.

[@thesecretlifeofparkinsons]

Not that I'm trying to push medication, but I'm grateful for the Zoloft I was prescribed. I feel like I'm back to myself.

[@luanndavis-jindela3223]

Great information!!

[@benjaminewering5329]

Hello My father parkinson's was diagnosed fours years ago, he is 57 years old and according to doctors he has the physis of an 90 year old. He goes fishing, sitting in front of the PC or watching youtube, the other time he sleeps. It seems he is happy with his life right now. We playing cards, laughing a lot etc... Every clinic, doctors etc tell him that he should do his sport, excercises and so on but he wont do absolutely nothing against parkinson's, he even doesnt want to inform himself about the desease. I have no idea what I should do. When I talk to him, show empathy he literally doesnt say anything.

[@thesecretlifeofparkinsons]

Not everyone wants to admit they have it and just want to ignore it. It's hard to get people to change, but having people with PD exercise today helps them "today" but it also helps them in the future. I'm sorry he doesn't say anything about it. I'm sure that's frustrating.

[@toryberch]

Jessica and Brian, I recently was traumatized by the recent shooting in Tulsa Ok. Dr Phillips was my Ortho Doc and Amanda was my medical assistant team member for years. I am trying so hard to not let myself get into such a state of a painful flare That's how my body reacts to bad news. Maybe one day you could do a video on trauma and how others cope with their emotions You just can't explain to others who don't have Parkinson's what it's like and how it effects your system

[@thesecretlifeofparkinsons]

Tory, I'm so sorry for your loss. I can't imagine what you and your community are going through, along with other communities around the country. I'm going to share that topic with my MDS and we'll get an episode to hopefully answer or shed light on how PD patients can cope with trauma. Thank you for that insight. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

[@thesecretlifeofparkinsons]

Hi Tory, Sorry this has taken us so long, but I want you to know we asked the question to our PD community and received great responses. We are going to record that podcast soon and it should then be available in a few weeks. Sorry for the delay but thanks for the question. I hope you are doing well!

[@toryberch]

@@thesecretlifeofparkinsons Hi, it's ok. I have been recovering from spinal fusion surgery and have been doing a lot of resting I really do appreciate your wanting to do a video on trauma and Parkinson's. I am just learning how much there is to really know about Parkinson's and especially while in the hospital

[@davedill680]

A very old Joke Question: What's the difference between ignorance and apathy? Answer: I don't know and I don't care.

[@auroramatera7555]

Hello Brian and Jessica. Thanks for the info. Would it be possible to do a video on work & disability? Thanks ❤

[@thesecretlifeofparkinsons]

We did a video on employment advice. Not necessarily on disability yet. But will! kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHPYqGOrlpV7ncU

[@inezzbeadz]

I didn't no apathy was part of it n yes I really don't care to clean house. Retired n dx w PD, I had plans to travel saved my momey....I stay home don't even want people over

[@thesecretlifeofparkinsons]

I started Zoloft and I think that helped my apathy.

[@auroramatera7555]

Hello Jessica and Brian, hope you’re having a good day. Would it be possible to do a video on how Parkinson meds could affect the dry mouth. I’m experiencing dry mouth since last august and my doctor said that it’s my Parkinson’s meds causing this. Apo-levocarb 3%. Pramipexole 7% and clonozapam 10%

[@kevinsomers8923]

I was wondering if either of you have severe pain in your neck, face and shoulders. I have this super bad as well as headaches and I am in the process of trying to get a diagnosis. I definitely have the depression and apathy. I also have the crying spells for no reason.

[@toryberch]

Kevin, pain is so under reported for Parkinson's. My main symptoms are bilateral severe pain in my legs. The pain feels like a deep dark electrical pounding storm just pounding for days when it hits. I believe it is a form of dystonia

[@kevinsomers8923]

I have severe pain in my face neck shoulders. It is miserable

[@toryberch]

@@kevinsomers8923 I'm sorry Kevin It is extremely miserable and soul draining for sure. I'm not sure what you take medicine 💊💉 wise but because of my rheumatology issues from RA my rheum makes me take Vit D3 Magnesium which helps with muscle pain, my neurologist has me on the Carbodopa-Levodopa Trazodone at night for sleep 😴 Cyclobenzaprine muscle relaxer. I've been on Norco for years for my Rheumatoid Arthritis but it really doesn't work more than I'd say 70% on the Parkinson's flare..Getting diagnosed takes time so hang in there. I do recommend the Trazodone as it helps with anxiety and depression which goes hand in hand with Parkinson's

[@thesecretlifeofparkinsons]

Hi Kevin - sorry to hear about your pain. I do know some people have shoulder and neck pain and what I learned from our episode with an MDS, Dr. Patel is, before being diagnosed, some have already had should surgery because of the pain it was causing. Not realizing that the pain was due to lack of use because of Parkinson's. But there are so many things it could be. Good luck on your journey to a diagnosis. Just remember to tell your doctor ALL symptoms including depression and apathy.

[@auroramatera7555]

Hello Jessica, you recommend Tirazodone for anxiety and depression and for sleeping issues?

[@tootalljones77]

Hi! New to your channel. Wondering if you could visit the topic of dating w PD. (i.e. how/when to approach the subject, etc...) Love your channel btw ❤

[@thesecretlifeofparkinsons]

Not the first time we've had this request. It's up to Brian to discuss. I'm married and he's single so it's his to lead. I'll talk to him this week :)

[@kitkat20221]

Hi, do you mind sharing your zoom exercise group info. What days do they meet?

[@thesecretlifeofparkinsons]

www.pdnextsteps.com/

[@alexsmurray73]

I can't read my handwriting either! Lol

[@troyspain7073]

Uhmm try being a combat vet with Parkinson's and explain apathy. Didn't know what it was just don't care, my legs ain't on fire