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Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is known as a condition that mainly affects movement for example Stiffness, Tremors and poor balance. Another side effect which can be just as difficult for people living with Parkinson’s and their families is the mental impact it can have.
In fact it is said that “50% of people with PD experience depression or anxiety at some point”.For many people with PD and their families, this can be unexpected and worrying. Understanding why this can happen and what can help, can make a real difference.
Understanding Parkinson’s and mental health
Parkinson’s disease affects parts of the brain that produce dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. These are chemicals that help regulate mood, energy, motivation and sleep.
Changes in these brain chemicals can sometimes lead to low mood or depression. This may make it harder for someone to feel motivated to move or take part in daily activities.
For people living with Parkinson’s Disease , where movement can already be more difficult, this can gradually affect mobility and confidence. That’s why it’s so important to support both mental health and physical activity. Staying active can help lift mood, maintain movement, and make everyday life a little easier for both the person living with Parkinson’s and their loved ones.
How staying active can help
One way that can help support both physical and mental wellbeing is physical activity. Staying active can help people with PD improve balance, strength, flexibility and walking ability. Regular movement has been shown to lower stress levels, improve sleep quality and increase energy, which are all closely linked to mental health, and over time these benefits can help people feel more confident and motivated to take part in daily activities, breaking the cycle where low moods can lead to less movement.
Adapted physical activity with Parkinson’s
Adapted physical activity is exercise that is designed to be safe, enjoyable, and suitable for each person’s abilities and needs. Siel Bleu’s Parkinson’s programmes run for a number of weeks. They focus on specific exercises to help improve physical function, while also creating a supportive group environment where people can meet others facing similar challenges.
For families supporting someone with Parkinson’s disease, these benefits can feel especially important, as changes in both movement and emotional wellbeing can affect everyday life at home. Through carefully tailored programmes and welcoming group sessions, We provide families with reassurance that their relative is exercising safely, building confidence and enjoying a better quality of life, while also reminding them that they do not have to face Parkinson’s alone.
If you are interested Please Contact us to see how we can support you and your family.