RYAN REYNOLDS BRINGS ATTENTION TO A LESSER-KNOWN ASPECT OF PARKINSON’S
When my dad was diagnosed with Parkinson's, I thought I knew what to expect with the physical symptoms, but no one warned us about the hallucinations and delusions which are often part of the disease. My dad was pretty stubborn but also strong. He didn't want to acknowledge he might be struggling to hold his grip on reality. I wish I knew then what I know now. I want this work to encourage conversations and destigmatize one of the toughest parts of Parkinson's."
—Ryan Reynolds, actor and advocate
Actor and advocate Ryan Reynolds shares his late father James's silent struggle with Parkinson's-related hallucinations and delusions, emphasizing early conversations and proper screening. Watch the videos your patients and their family members will be seeing to connect with them, answer their questions, and offer support.
HELP IDENTIFY PD PSYCHOSIS SYMPTOMS WITH A SCREENER
As part of routine appointments, explore a set of questions with your patients with PD to help determine if they are experiencing hallucinations and delusions.
50%
Over the course of their disease, about 50% of people with Parkinson's disease (PD) may experience hallucinations and delusions.
90%
Despite the prevalence of hallucinations and delusions, up to 90% of patients and care partners do not proactively report these symptoms to their physicians.
HALLUCINATIONS AND DELUSIONS CAN MANIFEST IN MULTIPLE WAYS
Hallucinations
Vision
Auditory
Olfactory
Gustatory
Tactile
Delusions
Jealousy
Persecutory
Reference
Hallucinations and delusions worsen the outlook for patients with PD:
- Higher incidence of falls and fractures
- Increased hospital admissions and nursing home placements
- Increased mortality risk
Caregivers of patients with PD psychosis experience greater burden and distress:
- Higher incidence and increased severity of depression
- Increased risk for chronic illness
- Feelings of isolation