9. MENTAL HEALTHCARE STRATEGIES FOR SOCIAL ISOLATION AND LONELINESS IN PARKINSON’S DISEASE

Introduction

Parkinson's disease (PD) symptoms, including emotional and communication challenges, can impair social functioning. Social isolation and loneliness have been linked to greater symptom severity and reduced quality of life in individuals with PD. We aim to highlight interventions by providers to improve social isolation and loneliness in patients with PD.

Methods

A comprehensive literature and policy review was conducted, examining clinical research, advocacy projects, and relevant legislative efforts focused on addressing loneliness and socioemotional symptoms in PD.

Results

The growing focus on recognizing and mitigating loneliness in PD has led to recommendations from experts, including the need for heightened awareness, routine screening, and targeted interventions. Among these interventions, social prescribing—a systematic approach addressing patients' social needs via community-based interventions—has gained attention. However, existing evidence supporting social prescribing primarily stems from single-payer healthcare systems, with limited research investigating its effectiveness in the context of U.S. healthcare payment models. Furthermore, literature highlights the importance of enhancing awareness not only of loneliness in PD but also of broader socio-emotional symptoms, such as difficulties with emotional facial expressions, emotional recognition, and vocal expressions.

Conclusions

Healthcare providers should prioritize screening and identification of loneliness and socioemotional symptoms in PD. Recommendations include patient and caregiver education, vocal and respiratory exercises (e.g., group singing), psychological interventions (e.g. mindfulness, ACT, CBT), and social prescribing, such as the VA Compassionate Contact Corps Program. Providers may widen their reach by advocating for policies, including reimbursement for care companions in PD.