The Impact of Participation in the Parkinson's Pals Program on Psychosocial Symptoms in Parkinson's Disease: An Unblinded Feasibility Study.

BACKGROUND

Persons with Parkinson's disease (pwPD) frequently experience psychosocial symptoms that are inadequately addressed by traditional clinical approaches.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the impact of Parkinson's Pals, a student-led virtual, intergenerational program, on psychosocial symptoms in pwPD and student knowledge.

METHODS

PwPD were paired with undergraduates for eight virtual meetings over  four months. Scores on the UCLA Loneliness Scale (UCLA-LS), Kissane Demoralization Scale (DS), Scales for Outcomes in Parkinson's Disease-Psychosocial Functioning (SCOPA-PS), Parkinson Disease Questionnaire-39 (PDQ-39), and student knowledge self-assessments were compared before and after program participation.

RESULTS

Twenty-five pwPD-student pairs participated. There was significant improvement in median total UCLA-LS (p = 0.031) and DS (p < 0.001) scores but not SCOPA-PS or PDQ-39 scores (p > 0.05). Students also reported improved familiarity with PD (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Participation in Parkinson's Pals was feasible, reduced loneliness and demoralization in pwPD, and enhanced student education. Further studies are needed to explore the psychosocial benefits of intergenerational programs for pwPD.