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A MyParkinsonsTeam Member asked a question 💭
Carson City, NV

Is that action, personality, body condition like for example hoarse voice, acting anxious when is it the anxiety part of the decease, & just is it the decease or personality? How do I know the difference between her & the decease?

December 23, 2025
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A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Parkinson's affects people differently at different times. Some symptoms come and go or get better then worse then better again. A lot depends on how well she responds to treatment. Medication, physical therapy, exercise, social interaction, etc. can make a difference. My husband's doctor is constantly tweaking his meds, hoping for the magic mixture that will help him most without causing side effects that are worse than the cure.

December 23, 2025
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Thank you!

December 27, 2025
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Thanks, I know all these symptoms of her personality can be the decease, but the reason I want to know what’s her & what’s the decease is because I am thinking is that action going to get worse with the decease or will it stay the same because that’s her person.

December 23, 2025
MyParkinsonsTeam

How do you distinguish between your mom's personality and Parkinson's symptoms?

This is one of the most emotionally challenging aspects of caregiving. It's completely normal to struggle with separating who your mom is from what the disease is causing.

Parkinson's can cause significant behavioral and mood changes that Show Full Answer

How do you distinguish between your mom's personality and Parkinson's symptoms?

This is one of the most emotionally challenging aspects of caregiving. It's completely normal to struggle with separating who your mom is from what the disease is causing.

Parkinson's can cause significant behavioral and mood changes that aren't your mom's fault or choice. The disease affects brain chemistry, which can lead to:

- Anxiety and irritability
- Emotional outbursts or anger
- Depression
- Personality changes
- Psychosis (delusions, hallucinations, paranoia)

Physical symptoms like a hoarse voice are typically direct results of Parkinson's affecting muscle control, not personality traits.

The key thing to remember: when you see anger, anxiety, or behavioral changes, these are often part of the disease itself. As one MyParkinsonsTeam member caring for her husband said, "His dementia is hard. He is emotional at times, angry at times."

It's important to recognize that these changes aren't your fault, and they're not really "her" in the traditional sense - they're manifestations of how Parkinson's affects the brain.

Many caregivers find it helpful to talk with healthcare providers about these concerns. They can help identify which symptoms are disease-related and potentially adjust medications or recommend counseling to help both of you cope with these changes.

December 23, 2025

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