1. Lack of passion, emotion, excitement
2. Lack of interest, a state of indifference
3. Lack of motivation
Apathy can be a major non-motor symptom of Parkinson's disease. Combine it with fatigue, another major non-motor symptom, and it's no wonder we Parkies can be seen as lazy, disinterested or uncaring by friends, family and even strangers.
What causes apathy in people with Parkinson's? It is believed to be due to chemical changes in the basal ganglia part of the brain. Dopamine is not only the primary neurotransmitter for motor control and movement, but it is also necessary for goal-oriented behavior, enjoyment and motivation. In other words, dopamine is our "feel good" chemical and as the dopamine levels in our brain get less and less, we no longer enjoy the things we used to and we become more apathetic. It's not that we DON'T care, it's that we CAN'T care. Our dopamine deprived brains just don't work like they used to.
I am just as apathetic as the rest of you. I used to enjoy going to karaoke, but it's in the evening and by that time of day, I don't feel like going out. After dinner, it's easier to put on my pajamas and watch TV instead. I was never into card playing or crafts, and I'm not a reader, so I am bored, a lot. I have a problem with my neck/shoulder which is aggravated by computer use, so I don't even spend much time online anymore. I'm not a cook and cleaning also aggravates my shoulder, so mostly, I do nothing (thank goodness my Wonderful Husband cooks and helps with the cleaning.) I have closets full of clothes I don't wear, so I can't even get interested in going shopping.
I did, however, start walking again. I walk alone in the mornings and with a neighbor in the afternoon. I used to enjoy talking on my walks, but now I mostly listen, as I have developed some speech problems and I can tell people have a hard time understanding me.
About the only things I DO look forward to are social interactions with friends and neighbors. I usually don't say much (the speech thing), but I enjoy listening. I have always enjoyed being around people and I still do.
So, next time a social invite comes your way, say YES! Force yourself to get up and get out and get moving. You might actually find yourself ENJOYING it.
Wow thats eye opening I knew dopamine was a feel good chemical
ReplyDeletewHEN I;m on the phone nobody could hear me got a,new smart phone its a lot smarter than me!! Without my wonderful husband I would be lost. We havw to hang in there or a cure!!!
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Very good points. Thanks for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this Bev! Apathy is a big issue in PD, and I appreciate your candidness about how it impacts you!
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
Kaitlyn
http://kaitlynroland.wordpress.com
I really enjoy reading your Parkinson's Humor blog. Your fortitude and sunny way of looking at life always brightens my day. This was another really great blog because you speak with such beautiful candor and grace, even about the hard and difficult stuff. Anna from NPF
ReplyDeleteOnce again, Bev...You nailed it. Thanks for sharing this for Parkies everywhere. Cindy D via Facebook
ReplyDeleteSo true! I didn't realize til a couple of years ago, when I learned at a PD conference, that PWP often cannot recognize emotions in other people either, due to the lack of Dopamine. That explains why my hubby ignores me when I am crying or upset! thanks for sharing, Bev! Terrie T via Facebook
ReplyDeleteSo thankful for your insight YumaBev! Helps me to understand my mother's apathy.
ReplyDeleteI find it's getting harder to push myself. It distresses me that I don't have interest in the things I used to.
ReplyDeleteHit the nail right on the head!
ReplyDeleteEsther
This is so true!
ReplyDeleteCaroline
The apathy gets to me.
ReplyDeleteDiane
Bev you rock girl. So true!!
ReplyDeleteMarcia
I AGREE! APATHY SHOULD HAVE A LARGER PART IN WHAT IS HAPPENING TO YOU, BOTH MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY. I HAVE A HARD TIME WITH IT
ReplyDeleteMARY
This is very true.Socialising actually reduce the signs of PD.
ReplyDeleteSo true Bev, this is even worse than the tremors.
ReplyDeleteJudy
Great to read & help us understand just what happens. Ann
ReplyDeleteI told my doctor that I had a lot of anxiety but don't care because of my apathy
ReplyDeleteNoticed husband's apathy before we got his Parkie diagnosis. . .so good (really) to learn it was part of the Parkinson's, not just him!!! Thanks, great article.
ReplyDeleteI can totally agree with all these comments. My husband is 61 and has had PD for 16 years. He looks like he is totally oblivious to what is going on at times. It looks like he is not interested in anything. As soon as he puts his bum down he is asleep. Its like he can't be bothered. We live in Sydney and I have arranged to take him to the Gold Coast on a short break in 2 weeks. I normally take my sister for support and help but I am doing this on my own this time. I am getting excited packing etc but he just looks fed up. I'm doing this as he has been in hospital trying to get on top of his hallucinations and psychosis( which touch wood we have)and thought change of scenery would be nice also to meet up with his brother who he hasn't seen in over a year. I don 't know he is not the man I married 31 years ago, but I guess I am not the same woman either. We seem like 2 different people now. Its sad.
ReplyDeleteSo good to hear what it's like for my brother who was diagnosed at 44. I believe his apathy was present for a good year or so before his actual diagnosis. I am full of praise for his fiancée who is 10 years younger than him.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone have any tips for dealing with this? Other than sheer willpower, I haven't come up with much. So anti-depressant meds make any difference?
ReplyDeleteThank you YumaBev, now I understand why I am what I am and I'm not alone in being this way. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteKev
I feel a special kinship with you. Your post "Apathy and #PD" perfectly captures how I feel inside better than I could myself!
ReplyDeleteShawn
I wish my sister would read this
ReplyDeleteApathy is my number one struggle. It seems worse since my DBS surgery. Thank you for your "right on" description! Diane
ReplyDeleteI so understand everything you have stated. I
ReplyDeletehave explained it to family and friends as "emotional flatlining". It is quite different from depression but can be as debilitating.
Points well made!
ReplyDeletePesonnaly, I really don't care about apathy....�� Seriously though, READ THIS IF YOU KNOW SOMEONE WITH PARKINSON'S DISEASE.
ReplyDeleteScott
Apathy is common with pd.
ReplyDelete