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Substantial Matters: Life & Science of Parkinson’s


Sep 25, 2018

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is more than a movement disorder. While motor symptoms may be a prominent outward symptom of PD, mood and other emotional changes are also common- and not just for the person with PD. Their care partners may also experience such changes. Often, the best way to recognize these problems and figure out coping strategies may involve other health professionals in addition to a movement disorders physician, such as social workers or psychologists. Licensed Clinical Social Worker Jessica Shurer is the center coordinator of the Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, where a team of health professionals is available to people with Parkinson’s. She discusses the emotional changes that may occur throughout the course of the disease along with suggestions for how people who are unable to travel to large medical centers may find help to address their emotional needs.