The psychosocial impact of late-stage Parkinson's disease.

[Murray Charters <mcharters@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

The psychosocial impact of late-stage Parkinson's disease.
Calne SM.

Pacific Parkinson's Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada. 
scalne@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The late stage of Parkinson's disease (PD) can be protracted with inexorable 
changes in physical and mental health,
loss of autonomy and self-esteem, altered relationships, and social isolation. 
Severely affected patients (Hoehn & Yahr
stage 4-5) present a challenge to nurses who care for them; addressing their 
needs takes time and patience. Changes in
mental status have profound implications for the welfare of the late-stage PD 
patient as well as of the caregiver(s).
Depression and dementia in patients with PD are two factors that interfere with 
the ability to deliver effective care
in late-stage PD as they lead to loss of initiative and cooperation. Primary 
caregivers often have their own medical
problems, with limited stamina and support; relationships may change, leading 
to sadness or conflict. Nurses can be
powerful advocates for the physical and mental health of both the patient with 
late-stage Parkinson's disease and the
primary caregiver.

PMID: 14713096 [PubMed - in process]

J Neurosci Nurs. 2003 Dec;35(6):306-13.

SOURCE: PubMed


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