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Social Interactions With Parkinson’s
You’ve been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and have a whirlwind of thoughts going through your head, the least of which is maintaining social interactions.
Even though you may not recognize it right after your diagnosis, social interactions play a vital role in ensuring a great quality of life with Parkinson’s.
As a person living with Parkinson’s for 13 years, I can personally attest to the fact that staying connected socially has a positive effect on your quality of life.
So what are the 6 benefits of social interactions on Parkinson’s Disease?
6 Benefits of Social Interactions With Parkinson’s
- Combatting Social Isolation
- Providing Emotional Support
- Encouraging Physical Activity
- Cognitive Stimulation
- Fostering A Sense of Purpose
- Learning and Information Sharing
Before we immerse ourselves in the benefits of social interactions with Parkinson’s, let’s look at the impact of not being socially engaged, or as defined in the research socially isolated.
Impacts of Social Isolation
What does social isolation mean? According to the article Loneliness and Social Isolation — Tips for Staying Connected, National Institutes on Aging, January 14, 2021, social isolation is
“Social isolation is the lack of social contacts and having few people to interact with regularly.”
Social Isolation is different but related to loneliness which is when a person has intense feelings of being alone and/or separated from loved ones and friends.
Both social isolation and loneliness can have devastating effects on a person with Parkinson’s Disease’s quality of life.
A study Assessment of Loneliness and Dementia in Parkinson’s Disease Clinics, the University of Oxford Medical School, Tait, et al., October 2019 evaluated 30 community-based patients between the ages of 60 and 90 years old who completed a loneliness self-assessment survey reported
43% of patients had scores indicating loneliness some or more of the time and 30% of the participants had scores indicating probable depression.
How prevalent is social isolation and how does it affect a person’s quality of life? Below are a few statistics that reinforce the need to stay socially engaged.
- In a UK study, 54% of people with Parkinson’s reported feeling nervousness and discomfort going out in public.
- In a 2017 Study (Smeltere et al) reported that 43% of study participants with Parkinson’s were diagnosed with a social phobia
- A study evaluating workforce or employment participation showed 40% of people with Parkinson’s under the age of 65 were unable or unavailable to work because of the disease.
- In the same study, only 15.3% of people with Parkinson’s worked for more than 5 years after their diagnosis.
Source: Ahn, S., Springer, K., & Gibson, J. S. (2022). Social withdrawal in Parkinson’s disease: A scoping review. Geriatric Nursing (New York, N.Y.), 48, 258. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gerinurse.2022.10.010
In the study Social Withdrawal in Parkinson’s Disease: A Scoping Review published in Geriatric Nursing they examined the effects of social isolation on the factors below and found significant impacts on the quality of life.
- Physical
- Motor Symptoms played a key role in social withdrawal. The more severe the motor symptoms the greater the likelihood of social isolation.
- Besides the embarrassment, people were afraid of freezing, dyskinesia, and balance problems.
- In addition, other significant factors causing social isolation included Balance issues/Fear of Falling, Tremors, and Speech Issues.
- Psychiatric
- Anxiety and Depression were the biggest factors in social isolation. I’ve seen reports that about 60% of people with Parkinson’s will experience anxiety or depression.
- Cognitive Function
- The study found a significant correlation between cognitive impairment in people who were socially isolated.
Now that we’ve seen the devastating effects social isolation can have on your quality of life, let’s switch to a more positive sentiment and look at the benefits of social interaction with Parkinson’s.
I believe that each of us wants to stay socially involved with family and friends and lead a happy and productive life. Well, then let’s dive into the benefits.
Benefits of Social Interactions With Parkinson’s
Let’s dive into each of the social interactions with Parkinson’s in more detail so you can ensure you’re staying engaged with family, friends, and the community.
Benefits of Social Interactions with Parkinson’s – Combatting Loneliness
One of the primary concerns for caregivers and medical professionals alike is combatting social isolation for people living with Parkinson’s Disease.
Parkinson’s is a degenerative brain disease and as it progresses (which is hopefully very slowly), leads to problems with mobility, difficulty speaking or being understood, and often cognitive changes.
These changes can cause the person with Parkinson’s to withdraw from social and family activities that they once enjoyed.
However, staying engaged as Parkinson’s progresses is essential for maintaining a good quality of life and combatting the devastating effects of isolation, which often leads to a more rapid decline, especially a cognitive decline.
You may already be asking yourself, “How can preventing social isolation really be that beneficial in helping me live a good quality of life?”
Well, I’m glad you asked because being socially engaged can provide significant benefits in 3 areas within your body to help you live a great quality of life.
What are these significant benefits? Well, let’s look at each one and how they can have a positive impact on your life.
- Physiological
- Motor symptoms of Parkinson’s such as tremors and rigidity can be reduced by participating in group activities or on-on-one conversations.
- The activities often require the use of fine motor skills that help to counteract these motor symptoms that you see as the disease progresses.
- For example, using hand gestures while talking and maintaining eye contact with the person you are engaged in conversation with can subtly enhance fine motor skills and coordination.
- Participating in group PHYSICAL activities like walking groups, dancing, and yoga can promote mobility, help to improve gait (how you walk), and enhance overall motor function.
- These activities have a positive effect on dopamine release, the neurotransmitter lacking in Parkinson’s, which can help lessen the effects of motor symptoms on your daily life.
- Psychological
- The psychological effects of Parkinson’s can often be overwhelming due to issues with Anxiety, Depression, and oftentimes, lack of self-worth.
- Engaging in conversations with others and sharing experiences can foster a sense of belonging and validation that we are often having similar experiences which can counteract the feelings of isolation and lack of self-worth people often experience.
- Support groups can offer a safe place to exchange coping strategies, offer emotional support and share successes and setbacks.
- Cognitive stimulation derived from active participation in group activities and discussions can help maintain cognitive function, which can potentially help to slow cognitive decline.
- Emotional Benefits
- Establishing and working on social connections can build a sense of purpose and fulfillment, which can boost self-esteem and overall life satisfaction.
- Engaging with family, friends, and co-workers who empathize with the daily challenges of Parkinson’s can help foster a positive outlook and overall satisfaction with your life.
- Laughing, listening to others with empathy, and celebrating milestones together can help ease the emotional impact that loneliness can have on your emotional health.
Wow, I bet you didn’t realize the significant benefits that social interactions with Parkinson’s can have on your quality of life.
To help tie this all together, and to make it easier to see the benefits of social interactions with Parkinson’s, I put together a table to help summarize the benefits that social interactions can provide.
Social Interactions with Parkinson’s – Combatting Social Isolation
| Benefit Category | Physiological Benefits | Psychological Benefits | Emotional Benefits |
| Cognitive Stimulation | – Stimulation of cognitive functions through conversations | – Mental engagement and stimulation | – Reduced cognitive decline and enhanced cognitive reserve |
| – Promotion of brain plasticity and neuroprotection | – Maintenance of cognitive skills and memory | – Increased happiness and life satisfaction | |
| – Activation of different areas of the brain during social tasks | – Improved focus and attention | – Decreased risk of depression and anxiety | |
| Stress Reduction | – Release of endorphins, reducing stress and pain | – Alleviation of stress and anxiety | – Enhanced sense of relaxation and stress relief |
| – Regulation of cortisol levels, promoting overall well-being | – Enhanced coping mechanisms for managing stress | – Improved emotional resilience and mental strength | |
| Social Support | – Strengthened immune system and improved health outcomes | – Increased sense of social support | – Feeling of being understood and cared for by others |
| – Reduced risk of chronic diseases through positive interactions | – Opportunities for sharing experiences and emotions | – Enhanced sense of security and safety | |
| – Enhanced cardiovascular health due to positive social bonds | – Reduced feelings of loneliness and social isolation | – Strengthened interpersonal relationships |
It’s important to note that the benefits mentioned can vary from person to person, and the progression of Parkinson’s disease can also impact the extent to which these benefits are realized.
However, engaging in meaningful social interactions can undoubtedly contribute positively to the overall well-being of individuals with Parkinson’s, helping them combat social isolation and enhance their quality of life.
For more information on social interactions check out my articles on
Benefits of Social Interactions with Parkinson’s – Providing Emotional Support
Emotional support from a spouse, family member, friend, caregiver, or social or support group is one of the key needs for maintaining strong social interactions with Parkinson’s.
In the study Evaluation of Quality of Life and Psychological Aspects of Parkinson’s Disease Patients who participated in a support group, the others concluded the following based on the study results.
“Our study has found that PD patients attending PSG showed better QoL, fewer depression and anxiety symptoms, and less social phobia. However, it is not possible to definitively conclude whether these effects are a cause or a consequence of PSG attendance.”
“In summary, the study showed that attending a support group for PD patients was positively associated with better QoL scores and fewer symptoms of depression, anxiety, and social phobia.”
Artigas, N. R., Widniczck Striebel, V. L., Hilbig, A., & Rieder, M. (2015). Evaluation of quality of life and psychological aspects of Parkinson’s disease patients who participate in a support group. Dementia & Neuropsychologia, 9(3), 295-300. https://doi.org/10.1590/1980-57642015DN93000013
Another study Parkinson’s Family Needs and Caregiver Mental Health: A cross-cultural comparison between Mexico and the United States looked at how emotional support affects anxiety and depression in people living with Parkinson’s and they reported.
“Unmet family needs explained 29.5% of the variance in caregiver anxiety in the United States but only 5.7% in Mexico. Unmet family needs explained 30.4% of the variance in caregiver depression in the United States and 14.0% in Mexico. In the United States, unmet needs for emotional support and for instrumental support uniquely predicted caregiver anxiety and depression”.
Perrin, P. B., Henry, R. S., Donovan, E. K., Cariello, A. N., Lageman, S. K., Villaseñor, T., Dzierzewski, J. M., Arroyo, M., & Avila, J. (2019). Parkinson’s family needs and caregiver mental health: A cross-cultural comparison between Mexico and the United States. NeuroRehabilitation, 45(4), 433. https://doi.org/10.3233/NRE-192894
As you can see from these studies emotional support is essential for having and maintaining a good quality of life.
Where people with Parkinson’s can really see significant benefits is when they can share their emotions and experiences with other Parkinson’s patients who are struggling with the same issues.
This can be done through support groups individually and/or with caregivers or through specific programs designed to bring together people with Parkinson’s to provide a holistic program of exercise, strength, balance, flexibility, cognition, and emotional support to improve the quality of life of the participants.
One such program is the Momentum Program, developed by Jen Winters and Susannah Gillespie at the York, PA, Jewish Community Center.
Jen Winters
This program which currently has close to 100 participants and is rapidly growing has helped me and my peers continue to lead an exceptional life by strengthening both our bodies and our minds.
More importantly, it has helped us forge social bonds and friendships that extend beyond the Momentum classes and include Monthly Breakfast and lunch get-togethers.
Momentum has helped us become like family. We cheer and celebrate everyone’s successes and are there to support them when they are struggling.
In my book Spectacular Life! 4 Strategies for Living with Parkinson’s Disease – My Journey to Happiness, I wrote
“The Momentum program helps all to see that we are not alone in our Parkinson’s journey but that others share the same worries and concerns. It has helped strengthen my passion to share what has been successful for me in leading a positive life with Parkinson’s.“
“I will always have a great sense of gratitude for this program, the wonderful, caring instructors who give us the drive to be our best and are helping us have a great quality of life, and the friends I have made and continue to make as part of this program.”
If you are interested in learning more about Momentum and my 4 strategies for living an exceptional life with Parkinson’s check out my book.
So, to summarize, emotional support is an essential element in achieving the benefits of social interactions with Parkinson’s.
In maintaining social interactions with Parkinson’s staying connected through social and support groups will help provide a strong emotional support system, which in turn leads to a better quality of life and that is the ultimate goal.
Social Interactions with Parkinson’s – Encouraging Physical Activity
Wait a minute, did you just say encourages physical activity like EXERCISE? Yes, that’s right!
Whether you call it physical activity or exercise, it’s important to KEEP MOVING!
Exercise doesn’t have to be some sort of torture, the important thing is you choose activities you enjoy and can do by yourself or with others so that you stick with it.
Exercise has shown significant benefits which I have detailed in other articles. To learn more about the benefits of exercise on Parkinson’s, check out these articles.
So how does encouraging physical activity benefit social interactions with Parkinson’s? Well, I’m glad you asked.
Regular physical activity and I reinforce the word regular physical activity can help manage the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s.
Engaging in a group exercise activity, especially ones designed for people with Parkinson’s (just like the Momentum group classes in York, PA) can help with strength, balance, and flexibility, which are important for maintaining an active lifestyle.
Group activities provide the motivation and support to continue participating in physical activities.
Choose from a range of activities like Yoga, walking, swimming, cycling, weight training, etc.
Physical activity encourages social interactions with Parkinson’s. So, join a group activity today and enjoy the benefits achieved from social interactions with Parkinson’s.
Social Interactions with Parkinson’s – Cognitive Stimulation
One of the most common non-motor symptoms reported with Parkinson’s Disease is Cognitive Decline. Social Interactions with Parkinson’s can play a key role in helping to slow the cognitive decline.
To illustrate the importance of incorporating cognitive stimulation into your daily and social activities, I want to provide some staggering and somber numbers,
My intent is not to scare or depress you but rather to provide the information as a means to show the importance of cognitive stimulation in your daily and social interactions with Parkinson’s to help slow the progression of cognitive decline.
Cognitive Decline Statistics
- According to the article Cognitive Changes, American Parkinson’s Disease Association, Jennifer Goldman, MD, MS about 40% of Parkinson’s patients will develop Dementia during the course of their disease.
- In the study, Cognition Deficits in Parkinson’s Disease: Mechanisms and Treatment, the investigators report
- “Emerging epidemiologic study indicates that the cumulative prevalence of Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD) in 8 years is as high as 78.2% [8]. Roughly 40% of PD subjects at an earlier stage have co-existing mild cognitive impairment, boosting the risk of converting to PDD [9].
- Source: Fang, C., Lv, L., Mao, S., Dong, H., & Liu, B. (2020). Cognition Deficits in Parkinson’s Disease: Mechanisms and Treatment. Parkinson’s Disease, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/2076942
- In an article in Nature.com entitled Parkinson’s disease-associated cognitive impairment, the authors state
- “Cognitive impairment is up to 6 times more common in individuals with PD than in the healthy population.”
- Aarsland, D., Batzu, L., Halliday, G. M., Geurtsen, G. J., Ballard, C., Ray Chaudhuri, K., & Weintraub, D. (2021). Parkinson disease-associated cognitive impairment. Nature Reviews Disease Primers, 7(1), 1-21. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41572-021-00280-3
- In the article Memory & Thinking Changes, Michael J. Fox Foundation, they report “Estimates vary, but approximately 25 percent of people with Parkinson’s experience MCI. Mild cognitive impairment could stay the same, get better or worsen over time. In some people, MCI gradually progresses to dementia.”
So, as you can see from these statistics, it is vital to participate in individual and social interactions with Parkinson’s to help stave off or slow the progression of cognitive decline.
It is important to note and you can see from the statistics, that not every PD patient will experience cognitive impairment or dementia.
So what are some ways to get cognitive stimulation on a daily basis? Good question!
Social Interactions with Parkinson’s – Getting Cognitive Stimulation
Below is a list of exciting activities you can do for cognitive or “mental stimulation. Think like a kid again and have fun with these activities while at the same time stimulating your brain.
- Games – Chess, Checkers, Solitaire, Scrabble, Word Search, Crossword puzzles, Puzzles, Memory match games, Word Association Games, Trivia,
- Activities – Cooking, Knitting, painting, drawing, woodworking, playing a musical instrument
- Exercise – Yoga hiking, nature observation
In summary – PLEASE MAKE SURE TO DO SOME TYPE(S) OF MENTAL STIMULATION EVERYDAY!
Social Interactions With Parkinson’s – Fostering a Sense of Purpose
Maintaining a sense of purpose is vital for everyone, regardless of their health status.
Community and social groups provide individuals with Parkinson’s Disease a platform to contribute, share their expertise, and make a difference.
Whether it’s participating in volunteering, or sharing personal experiences to help others, being involved in a community gives a renewed sense of purpose and identity beyond the diagnosis.
Having a sense of purpose goes beyond merely occupying one’s time; it provides meaning, direction, and motivation to lead a fulfilling life despite the challenges posed by the condition.
You can achieve a sense of purpose either individually, by doing a hobby, learning a new skill, or in a group setting where you participate and feel part of the group.
You get a sense of purpose by being thankful and grateful for what you have and wanting to share it with others.
So don’t let a Parkinson’s diagnosis isolate you. Stay active and involve yourself in activities that give you personal growth and satisfaction.
Social Interactions with Parkinson’s Summary
Social interactions play a major role in helping you maintain a good (I believe great or exceptional) quality of life after a Parkinson’s diagnosis.
Social Interactions provide a number of benefits which we’ve discussed in this article.
My hope is that you can take what you’ve learned and stay socially active and engaged with your family friends and social groups.
My wish for you is to lead an exceptional life after your diagnosis. Your destiny is in your hands. Seize the opportunity to lead a great life not only for yourself but your family.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the impact of Parkinson’s on social interaction?
Parkinson’s can affect social interaction by causing symptoms like tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with movement. These physical challenges may make it harder for individuals with Parkinson’s to participate in social activities, communicate effectively, or maintain their usual social relationships.
How can individuals with Parkinson’s improve their social interaction skills?
There are several strategies that can help individuals with Parkinson’s improve their social interaction skills. These include engaging in speech and physical therapy to address communication and movement difficulties, joining support groups or participating in Parkinson’s-specific programs that foster social connections, and exploring assistive technologies that can aid in communication.
How can family and friends support individuals with Parkinson’s in their social interactions?
Family and friends can provide valuable support to individuals with Parkinson’s in their social interactions. It is essential to demonstrate patience and understanding, as well as educate oneself about Parkinson’s symptoms and challenges. Encouraging and facilitating participation in social activities, providing emotional support, and being flexible and accommodating can all contribute to a positive and inclusive social environment for individuals with Parkinson’s.
Post written by Chris Kustanbauter, Liveparkinsons.com. I reside in York, PA with my wife and 2 Adopted rescue Boxer dogs, Duke and Katie. For additional articles visit my Blogs page. Please contact me with questions or comments on my Contact Me page. Get my book Spectacular Life – 4 Essential Strategies for Living with Parkinson’s Disease
