Mental Health Spotlight: Managing Mental Health Concerns in Advanced Parkinson’s Disease

Medically reviewed by Heidi Moawad, M.D. - Written by Hope Gillette on January 20, 2026

Key takeaways

• Mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, as well as cognitive changes, are common in advanced Parkinson’s disease, affecting a significant majority of individuals.
• Several factors can contribute to mental health challenges, such as changes in brain chemistry, medication effects, reduced independence, caregiver strain, and social isolation.
• Various support options are available, including helplines, support groups, therapy, education, and focusing on general health. These support options can help individuals with advanced Parkinson’s and their caregivers navigate mental health concerns.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive condition that affects the nervous system. While it’s best-known for causing movement-related symptoms, Parkinson’s can also affect areas of the brain involved in mood, sleep, attention, and learning.

Parkinson’s changes how certain brain chemicals (neurotransmitters), such as dopamine, acetylcholine, and serotonin, work. As levels of these chemicals decrease, movement may become slower or more difficult, and symptoms like tremors, muscle stiffness, and balance issues can appear.

Movement changes are often the most visible signs of Parkinson’s, but the condition affects much more than motor function.

Some people, especially in later stages of the disease, also experience emotional and cognitive challenges that can affect daily life and overall well-being.

How common are mental health conditions in advanced Parkinson's disease?

Mental health conditions are common among people living with advanced Parkinson’s disease.

A 2024 review notes that an estimated 70% to 89% of people living with advanced Parkinson’s disease experience at least one mental health condition, including depression, apathy, or psychosis.

Depression and anxiety are among the most common mood-related health conditions in Parkinson’s. A 2023 review found that up to 60% of people with advanced Parkinson’s experience symptoms of depression.

Cognitive changes, while not considered a mental health condition, are also common in Parkinson’s disease.

According to the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA), about 25% of people experience mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which can involve noticeable changes in memory and thinking. For some people, these changes may appear earlier in the course of the disease.