This is an extremely difficult problem. Inappropriate
behaviour such as this can be a side effect of the Parkinson’s drugs, general mental
deterioration which may or may not be due to Parkinson’s, or frustration – or a
combination of all three. If you have not already sought any help, it is
important that you discuss this with the doctor who is most involved with your
husband’s care, be it the DOCTOR, Parkinson’s specialist or other specialist.
Depending on this doctor’s overall view of your husband’s condition, a referral
can be made to another specialist such as a psychiatrist.
It will be helpful for you if you can confide in a trusted
friend – you shouldn’t feel this is in any way disloyal. If someone else can
help you share this problem, you will be better able to continue supporting
your husband. It will also be helpful if you can explain to your friends that this
behaviour has a medical cause. Your husband is not being intentionally
offensive, but he is not fully responsible for his actions. Something else that
would help is for you to have some days when you are not responsible for his
care. You could try to arrange some day care through the social services
department or hospital and, while he is away, try to get out and do something
which you enjoy.
