The risk of anxiety and depression are increased among first-degree relatives of people with Parkinson’s disease. The evidence comes from a huge medical-records database affiliated with the Mayo Clinic.
Is this part of the Parkinson’s spectrum due to genes or to the situation? An epidemiological report like this one in Archives of General Psychiatry can say nothing about the relative contributions of heredity and environment.
Only last October the same group reported increased risk of cognitive impairment and dementia in close relatives of Parkinson’s patients.
Studies about the burden on Parkinson’s caregivers give solid reason to suspect that environment may contribute to mood disorders in the spouse.
Now you’ve learned a little something. Look beyond the main search results to the specific article categories, and know a lot more.
Clinical Trials for Patients
Perhaps entering a clinical trial on the subject might give families a fresh perspective on their situation.
Evidence Based Articles and Meta-Analyses
What are the most effective ways to address the stress on a relative who acts as a caregiver?
Practical Articles & News
What insights can you gain from articles by colleagues who found ways to help these families cope?
Posted by Cranky Aged Mama
