To understand the specific fears of people living with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners, our support group conducted a survey among our members. The survey results revealed 10 fears, which we have divided into three areas: fear of cognitive decline, which we cover in this blog post, fear of physical symptoms, and financial concerns, which we cover in upcoming posts:

1. Progressive Cognitive Decline and Dementia                                      
2. Losing the Ability to Communicate                                                     
3. Feeling Insignificant                                
   
   Research shows that acknowledging, sharing, and developing a plan for resolving fears can mitigate or eliminate them. First steps include assembling a medical team, educating yourself about your disease, exercising, staying mentally active and engaged, remaining positive, and maintaining social networks and friendships.
   
   Our group took a closer look at three fears related to cognitive decline, speech, and feeling invisible and crafted additional suggestions.
   
   

Fear: Cognitive Decline and Dementia

As we age, we all experience cognitive decline, but people with Parkinson’s disease are at higher risk of it and may progress faster.
How to Face It: Ask your neurologist or movement disorder clinician to check cognitive function and discuss your status at each visit. Ask for a baseline cognitive exam, so your doctor can see changes over time. Incorporate mentally stimulating exercises into your daily routine to increase brain plasticity. Increase your social interactions by joining a support group or a senior center. See your neurologist if hallucinations or psychosis occur.

Fear: Losing the Ability to Communicate

Communication is an essential part of life and Parkinson’s can affect it. 
How to Face It: Get your hearing tested and, if recommended, get hearing aids or assistive devices. Perform facial expression exercises to stave off “frozen face.” If your voice is weakening, take a “Loud” course, a voice training program designed to improve voice and speech. Ask people to speak up and don’t avoid opportunities to interact with others.

Fear: Feeling Insignificant

People with Parkinson’s often feel like second-class citizens. Part of this feeling may be a misinterpretation of how others view our communication efforts. For example, when someone can’t hear you because your voice is soft, you may feel your ideas are not valued.
How to Face It: Use the Parkinson’s Golden Rules as your guide and talk to people about your expectations. Stay active, volunteer, and be seen.

For advice about physical problems, visit How to Manage Fears about Balance and Swallowing. For advice about financial matters and other topics, go to Financial Fears and Other Concerns for People with Parkinson’s.