Question

The individual with Parkinson’s disease needs to be assessed for social isolation. What would be the potential cause of withdrawal in the Parkinson’s patient?

Answer 1

Parkinson’s Disease is a central nervous system disorder due to the damage of brain cells which leads to decrease in the level of dopamine and cause movement and gait abnormalities. It is not curable bu can reduce the symptoms with supportive medications.The symptoms include difficulty in speech, tremors, drooling of saliva, fatigue, unsteady gait.

Social isolation of patient’s with Parkinson’s disease is one of the biggest effects which should be addressed. The potential causes include self isolation due to physical symptoms or depression associated with the disease and the social stigma due to less awareness regarding the disease in public population.

The self isolation is due to difficulty moving,  inability to speak loudly and clearly, embarrassment due to tremor or drooling of saliva, failure to maintain body balance which makes the person to avoid social interactions intentionally.

The other cause is the lower level of knowledge of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease among the population which cause misinterpretations while dealing with people with parkinsonism.