Mental health symptoms of Parkinson's disease that impact quality of life 'often overlooked'

Lisa Wynne, Parkinson's Association of Ireland specialist nurse: 'Mental health symptoms can impact quality of life as much as physical symptoms in Parkinson’s, yet they are often overlooked.' Picture: Larry Cummins

The mental health symptoms of Parkinson’s are “often overlooked” a specialist nurse has warned as she welcomed new research being funded in the area.

Lisa Wynne, a Parkinson’s nurse specialist at Parkinson’s Ireland, said she was excited to see two new projects funded for Cork and Dublin supported by the national charity and the Health Research Board.

“Mental health symptoms can impact quality of life as much as physical symptoms in Parkinson’s, yet they are often overlooked,” she said.

University College Cork is being funded to analyse the daily lives of people with the progressive neurodegenerative disease. 

The aim is to find out how their quality of life is affected by their changing mental health.

There is already emerging evidence patients with the condition can experience increased levels of anxiety or depression. 

This can be triggered by physical changes in the brain caused by the condition, as well as by fears around the future. Symptoms can also include hallucinations and memory challenges.

The UCC team will survey 200 people with Parkinson’s and their family carers. They will also speak to healthcare professionals.

“By capturing the lived experiences of people with Parkinson’s, this research could provide valuable insights to inform more holistic, person-centred care and strengthen advocacy for improved services,” Ms Wynne said.

The lead researcher is Dr Emma O’Shea. 

The funding package of €388,183 is a combined fund from Parkinson’s Ireland and the Health Research Board.

The second funded project will take place in University College Dublin. It will look at exercise and physical health for Parkinson's patients. 

Ms Wynne said exercise was “an important part” of helping patients to manage their symptoms.

It can help them maintain their mobility and independence, she added.

“By exploring how technology can support home-based exercise, this project may help shape future rehabilitation services and strengthen advocacy for more accessible supports,” she said.

Parkinson’s Ireland chief executive Shane O’Brien also welcomed the fund, saying research was central to improving patients’ lives.

“We can help build evidence that informs better care, stronger services and improved quality of life,” he said.