Actor Portrayals
 

There’s more to Parkinson’s disease than motor symptoms

 

About PD-related Hallucinations and Delusions

There’s more to Parkinson’s disease than motor symptoms

 
 
 

Understanding Parkinson’s disease–related hallucinations and delusions

You may be aware of the physical symptoms related to Parkinson’s disease (PD), like resting tremors, slow movement, rigid muscles, and loss of balance. But did you know that around 50% of the people living with PD may also experience hallucinations and/or delusions over the course of their disease?

Patty and her husband, Bruce, speak with his neurologist, Dr. Friedman, about the PD-related hallucinations and delusions he is experiencing.

Click to play Patty and Bruce talking to neurologist, Doctor Friedman
 
 
 

There are 2 general types of Parkinson’s disease symptoms

PD is a central nervous system disorder. The signs and symptoms of it can vary from person to person, but generally fall into 2 types: motor symptoms and nonmotor symptoms.

Hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or experiencing things that others don't) and delusions (believing things that are not true)
are nonmotor symptoms of PD.

 
Motor symptoms may include:
  • Resting tremors
  • Slowness of movement
  • Rigid muscles
  • Trouble with movement
 
Nonmotor symptoms may include:
  • Anxiety
  • Loss of mental sharpness/acuity
  • Constipation, impaired bladder control
  • Hallucinations
  • Delusions
 
 
 
 

Who may be at risk,
and why?

Who may be at risk,
and why?

The exact cause of PD-related hallucinations and delusions is unknown. In general, hallucinations and delusions are thought to be a part of the natural progression of PD and/or a side effect of some dopamine therapies.

There’s no way to accurately predict which patients will develop PD-related hallucinations or delusions. Learn more about the signs of PD-related hallucinations and delusions.

Risk factors may include:
  • Having PD
  • Old age
  • PD duration
  • PD severity
 
 

Want to learn more about Parkinson’s disease–related hallucinations and delusions?

 

Register for ongoing news and information about
PD-related hallucinations and delusions.

 
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Want to learn more about Parkinson’s disease–related hallucinations and delusions?

 

Register for ongoing news and information about
PD-related hallucinations and delusions.