Does Personality Change with Parkinson’s?

Parkinson’s disease is most commonly associated with physical symptoms like tremors, stiffness, and slowness of movement. But something often overlooked is how the condition can affect a person’s personality and emotional expression. For loved ones, it may feel like the person they know is changing — not just physically, but emotionally too.

But does Parkinson’s disease really change a person’s personality? And if so, how?

Not a new person – but changes can happen

Parkinson’s doesn’t change who you are at your core, but it can influence how you react, communicate, and interact socially. These changes may be caused by:

• Changes in brain chemistry, especially dopamine levels, which affect mood and motivation

• Physical limitations that lead to social withdrawal or passivity

• Psychological symptoms like depression, anxiety, or apathy, which are common in Parkinson’s

• Side effects of medication, which in some cases may lead to impulsivity or mood swings

As a result, someone with Parkinson’s may seem more reserved, less emotionally expressive, or less motivated. It’s important to remember that these are typically symptoms of the disease, not personal choices.

How does this affect relationships?

Changes in behavior and emotional expression can be challenging in close relationships. Misunderstandings, frustration, or grief may arise. Open communication, support from healthcare professionals, and therapy can help both the person affected and their loved ones navigate these changes together.

Parkinson’s and Dementia – What’s the Link?

In later stages, some people with Parkinson’s develop cognitive symptoms such as memory loss, reduced attention span, and poor judgment. This is known as Parkinson’s dementia. A closely related condition, Lewy body dementia, includes both cognitive and motor symptoms. While not everyone with Parkinson’s experiences dementia, understanding the connection can help provide the right support at the right time.

Sensorem’s safety alarm has GPS positioning, medication reminders and automatic fall alarm

Sensorem’s personal alarm is an example of a technical aid specially developed for people with dementia. The personal alarm works outdoors and has built-in GPS positioning so that relatives can see the user’s position on a map in the Sensorem app. Relatives are automatically called by the personal alarm (two-way communication) if the user leaves a predetermined geographical area. The personal alarm also has medication reminders, which means that the watch emits a sound and tells the user that it is time to take their medication. The personal alarm can also alert automatically in the event of a fall with the built-in fall sensor.