It’s amazing what two programming sessions with deep brain stimulation expert, Dr. Olga, has done to heal my body and lift my spirits. More about my progress in another post, but let’s just say I’m on the verge of doing cartwheels.
I know that I’m feeling better when I ‘m able to burst my self-absorbed Parkinson’s bubble and focus on others. Recently three spouses of those with PD, including my husband Tom, said to me that no one has ever asked them what it is like to be married to someone with PD. I have frequently overheard people questioning Tom in hushed tones about how I am doing but never how he is doing with me and PD.
I read two alarming studies that addressed the issue of the impact on the spouse when their partner has PD.
A study from the Oregon Health & Science University found that people caring for spouses with PD, either at home or in a care facility, are at heightened risk for deteriorating health and well-being, as well as increased strain.
Another study from Harvard Medical School and the University of Pennsylvania suggests that a husband and wife with a debilitating illness (not limited to PD) can hasten his or her spouse’s death. The researchers blame the stress, and the loss of companionship, practical help, income and other support that can occur when a spouse gets sick.
Past research has shown that spouses of sick people face higher risks of illness and death themselves, a phenomenon sometimes called the “caregiver burden” or the “bereavement effect.”
These studies clearly illustrate that it’s not just the patient who has PD, but PD is indeed a family disease.
For further information about the studies:
Parkinson’s caregivers at risk for deteriorating health
http://www.ohsu.edu/news/2004/052604parkinson.html
Having a sick spouse is bad for your health, too
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11371471/
It’s amazing what two programming sessions with deep brain stimulation expert, Dr. Olga, has done to heal my body and lift my spirits. More about my progress in another post, but let’s just say I’m on the verge of doing cartwheels.
I know that I’m feeling better when I ‘m able to burst my self-absorbed Parkinson’s bubble and focus on others. Recently three spouses of those with PD, including my husband Tom, said to me that no one has ever asked them what it is like to be married to someone with PD. I have frequently overheard people questioning Tom in hushed tones about how I am doing but never how he is doing with me and PD.
I read two alarming studies that addressed the issue of the impact on the spouse when their partner has PD.
A study from the Oregon Health & Science University found that people caring for spouses with PD, either at home or in a care facility, are at heightened risk for deteriorating health and well-being, as well as increased strain.
Another study from Harvard Medical School and the University of Pennsylvania suggests that a husband and wife with a debilitating illness (not limited to PD) can hasten his or her spouse’s death. The researchers blame the stress, and the loss of companionship, practical help, income and other support that can occur when a spouse gets sick.
Past research has shown that spouses of sick people face higher risks of illness and death themselves, a phenomenon sometimes called the “caregiver burden” or the “bereavement effect.”
These studies clearly illustrate that it’s not just the patient who has PD, but PD is indeed a family disease.
For further information about the studies:
Parkinson’s caregivers at risk for deteriorating health
http://www.ohsu.edu/news/2004/052604parkinson.html
Having a sick spouse is bad for your health, too
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11371471/