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.