Disrupted social connectedness in people with Parkinson's disease

Abstract

A study was conducted to explore the effects of Parkinson's disease on people's social interactions. An exploratory qualitative design was used. Participants were a purposive sample of 10 people with Parkinson's disease who were attending a hospital outpatients' neurology clinic. Data were collected by semi-structured in-depth interviews. All interviews were transcribed and analysed by using conventional content analysis to explore the participants' experiences and perceptions on social interactions, using the central question 'what effect does Parkinson's disease have on people's social interactions?' Analysis revealed that Parkinson's disease affected social interactions by disrupting social connectedness. Social connectedness was disrupted by a number of factors, including 'progressive physical disability, mood disturbances, shrinking of social activities and secluding oneself. Older adults with Parkinson's disease therefore face a number of challenges to remaining socially connected. It appears that disrupted social connectedness is one of the negative consequences of living with Parkinson's.

An empowerment model of Iranian women for the management of menopause: a grounded theory study

“…Informed self-care was another empowerment behaviour for managing menopause and actively dealing with it in the participants of this study. A self-caring individual is responsible for his own health and reaches self-management through self-care (Soleimani, Negarandeh, Bastani, & Greysen, 2014). In a qualitative study, self-care measures in middle-aged women were addressed using a questionnaire designed based on Orem's theory of self-care.…”

Socioeconomic status in relation to Parkinson's disease risk and mortality

“…[33] Among PD patients, infections such as pneumonia, accidental falls, and fractures can lead to higher mortality and may be associated with SES if there is less support from caregivers (e.g., family members) and lack of health care resources in low socioeconomic groups. These factors may also induce depression and stress that disrupt social connectedness, [12] which, in turn, may trigger other diseases such as cardiovascular and psychiatric diseases leading to high mortality. [34] …”

“…[12,13] In Sweden, total direct healthcare cost for PD patients was estimated at 1.7 billion Swedish kronor during 2009, out of which 48% were costs for outpatient healthcare and drugs. [14] We therefore conducted a population-based cohort study of over 4.6 million Swedish inhabitants between 1981 and 2010, to examine the association between SES and PD risk as well as the impact of SES on all-cause mortality in individuals with and without PD.…”

Dancing and Parkinson’s disease: updates on this creative approach to therapy

“…1 With disease progression, people can experience movement difficulties 2 and problems participating in social 3 and family life 4 and physical activities. 5 Movement disorders associated with PD together with insufficient exercise can compromise balance and gait, contributing to further inactivity, 6 falls, 7 isolation, and loss of independence.…”

“…A sense of satisfaction and perceived benefit in QoL may be important to enhance continual participation, 59 create positive attitudes toward exercise, and improve well-being. The social context of dance may be particularly pertinent to build social networks, friendships, and social connectedness; 3 however, this needs to be assessed in future studies. In conclusion, it is important that studies consider the effect of environmental factors on health and participation outcomes and implement strategies to overcome any challenges encountered.…”