Day-to-Day Demands of Parkinson's Disease

Abstract

This interpretive study explored the experience of having Parkinson's disease in middle life. The researcher examined the day-to-day demands experienced by 16 people (9 men and 7 women), ages 42-59 years, who had been diagnosed with Parkinson 's disease for a range of 1-16 years. Demands directly attributable to the illness included acknowledging symptoms and seeking help, balancing emotional responses, dealing with a changing body, gaining formal and practical knowledge, and dealing with unpredictability. The illness also created demands related to changing roles, sense of identity, and relationships. This study advances understanding of the dijficulties and challenges experienced by those who live with Parkinson's disease and has implications for nursing practice with this population.