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. 2023;13(7):1267-1271.
doi: 10.3233/JPD-230179.

Parkinson's Pals: A Student-Led Program to Facilitate Intergenerational Connections and Promote Psychosocial Well-Being Among Persons with Parkinson's Disease

Udit Garg  1 , Jaskeerat Gujral  2 , Om H Gandhi  1   2 , Nabila Dahodwala  3   4 , Linda Joy Goldner  4 , Sara Hughes  3   4 , Suzanne Reichwein  4 , Lauren Zelouf  4 , Whitley W Aamodt  3   4
Affiliations

Parkinson's Pals: A Student-Led Program to Facilitate Intergenerational Connections and Promote Psychosocial Well-Being Among Persons with Parkinson's Disease

Udit Garg et al. J Parkinsons Dis. 2023.

Abstract

Parkinson's disease (PD) causes unique motor and non-motor symptoms. Despite symptomatic treatment with pharmacotherapies, many persons with PD report feelings of loneliness and demoralization as their disease progresses. These symptoms greatly interfere with quality of life, necessitating novel treatment strategies. In this report, we introduce a new student-led program to improve psychosocial well-being among persons with PD by pairing them with college students. Through weekly one-on-one meetings, students gain a deeper understanding of PD, while patients gain a new social outlet and purpose. Based on the program's initial successes, we advocate for the adoption of similar programs at universities worldwide.

Keywords: Parkinson disease; demoralization; loneliness; quality of life; social isolation.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no conflict of interest to report.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Parkinson’s Pals chapters in the United States (9 chapters as of June 2023).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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