That sounds incredibly overwhelming — for both of you. The symptoms being described, like seeing things, sleep problems, shaking, trouble eating, and difficulty standing or breathing, are serious and need medical attention as soon as possible.
Breathing difficulties in particular can become dangerous quickly. If breathing Show Full Answer
That sounds incredibly overwhelming — for both of you. The symptoms being described, like seeing things, sleep problems, shaking, trouble eating, and difficulty standing or breathing, are serious and need medical attention as soon as possible.
Breathing difficulties in particular can become dangerous quickly. If breathing problems feel severe or sudden, please call emergency services (911) right away. When a loved one refuses to see a doctor, it can feel like hitting a wall. Here are some gentle approaches that may help:
- Stay calm and avoid pressure — Pushing too hard can cause them to dig in further. Try expressing concern from a place of love, not fear.
- Focus on one symptom — Instead of listing everything, mention the one that worries you most, like the breathing or seeing things.
- Involve someone they trust — A close friend, family member, or even a religious leader may have more influence in the moment.
- Frame it as "just a conversation" — Suggesting a single appointment, not ongoing care, can feel less overwhelming to them.
- Contact the doctor yourself first — You can call a Parkinson's specialist and describe the symptoms. They may offer guidance on how to encourage your spouse to come in. A MyParkinsonsTeam member once shared that having good support and trust with a doctor made a huge difference after diagnosis — but getting there took patience.
The hallucinations and sleep issues especially are symptoms a Parkinson's specialist can help manage with the right treatment plan. You don't have to navigate this alone, and neither does your spouse.
May 24
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