SALT LAKE CITY — When Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds was in the process of creating the first “Deadpool” film, he was also dealing with the loss of his father, James Reynolds, to Parkinson’s disease.
James Reynolds was 74 years old and had been living with Parkinson’s since he was diagnosed at 57 in 1998. Ryan Reynolds has mentioned in several interviews that his father was not very open about his condition, especially about the lesser-known symptoms of the disease such as delusions and hallucinations, which James started experiencing halfway through his battle with Parkinson’s.
Now, Ryan Reynolds and his mother, Tammy Reynolds, are openly discussing these issues. They are part of a campaign initiated by Acadia Pharmaceuticals aimed at raising awareness about these often overlooked aspects of Parkinson’s. The campaign, “More to Parkinson’s,” was launched on Wednesday and provides educational resources and information for health care providers, family caregivers, and patients. The campaign primarily focuses on the role of delusions and hallucinations in Parkinson’s.
“People are generally aware of the physical symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, but the emotional impact is often overlooked. It had a significant effect on my father. He would often break down in tears, sometimes without any apparent reason. I believe it was because he couldn’t trust his own mind,” Reynolds shares in one of the campaign videos that delve into the complexities of Parkinson’s.
Tammy Reynolds shares a story about a time when her husband returned from a trip, fully convinced that she had been in the car with him, even though she hadn’t. Together, mother and son discuss the challenges and the additional strain that the mental aspects of the disease put on caregivers.
The Impact of Parkinson’s Disease
According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, 90,000 people are diagnosed with the disease in the U.S. each year. By 2030, it’s projected that 1.2 million people in the U.S. will be living with Parkinson’s. The primary risk factor is age, with the disease typically affecting adults aged 60 or older, although there are exceptions.
National Geographic states that up to 90% of patients have no known genetic predisposition to Parkinson’s.
The More to Parkinson’s campaign highlights that hallucinations can include seeing non-existent things, such as people and objects, or hearing sounds, music, or voices that aren’t there. Delusions can involve paranoia and false beliefs. These symptoms can be extremely challenging for relationships, as Reynolds acknowledges, describing his relationship with his father as complicated.
About half of Parkinson’s patients experience some form of delusion or hallucination. For some, it’s a regular occurrence. These delusions or hallucinations can seem very real and can intensify over time.
However, they are treatable. But treatment can only be sought if people acknowledge what’s happening. It’s crucial to discuss these symptoms with a physician, as advised by Acadia Pharmaceuticals, which suggests that this conversation can be important even before hallucinations and delusions begin.
“There is no way to accurately predict which patients with Parkinson’s will develop hallucinations and delusions,” according to the company.
The motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, as outlined by More to Parkinson’s, include resting tremors, slow movement, rigid muscles, and difficulty with movement.
Non-motor symptoms, in addition to hallucinations and delusions, can include anxiety, loss of mental sharpness, constipation, and impaired bladder control.
Supporting Caregivers
Reynolds discusses caregiver fatigue and the importance of communication. He and his mother do not shy away from discussing the difficulties they faced as caregivers. Dr. Yasar Torres-Yaghi, a movement disorders specialist at the Parkinson’s Center of Excellence, noted that caregivers can often become depressed and may need support themselves.
Torres-Yaghi stated that it’s now possible to treat both the physical and mental symptoms of the disease.
Reynolds mentioned that one way he honors his father’s memory is by trying to assist other patients and caregivers dealing with Parkinson’s, helping them navigate the challenges he, his mother, and his brothers faced when James Reynolds fell ill.
The campaign features several videos with the Reynolds family discussing various aspects of the disease.
Disagree: I don’t think celebrities should use their fame to promote causes that have personal connections. It seems like they’re only doing it for attention.
Disagree: It’s great to see celebrities raise awareness for causes they care about, regardless of their personal connections. It can inspire others to get involved too.
Disagree: It’s commendable that Ryan Reynolds and his mother are raising awareness for Parkinson’s, regardless of their personal connection. Their involvement can help educate and support others affected by the disease.
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