A 77-year-old female with Parkinson's disease is feeling depressed and says she has lost interest in activities she used to enjoy. What could be the cause and what are the next steps?
Depression is common in Parkinson's disease, due to both the physical challenges of the disease and changes in brain chemistry. This patient's symptoms suggest she may be experiencing depression. A referral to a mental health professional should be considered. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, along with antidepressant medications, has been shown to be effective in treating depression in Parkinson's disease.