Parkinson’s Dulls Physical Response to Emotions: Study

A new study has suggested that anger, disgust, and even sadness hit with less force for those who have the neurodegenerative disorder.

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For most people, when a wave of anger washes over them, their hearts might race, their faces could flush, and their palms might grow sweaty. But for those living with Parkinson’s disease, that same emotional surge doesn’t pack the same physical punch, according to new research.

Parkinson’s patients experience dulled bodily sensations when feeling intense emotions such as anger, disgust, sadness, and surprise compared with those without the neurological condition, the study notes.

Autonomic Issues in Parkinson’s May Underlie Muted Emotions

Emotions, such as feeling excited or afraid, are sometimes accompanied by strong physical reactions such as increased heart rate and blood pressure—responses triggered by the autonomic nervous system and sensorimotor systems. These physical manifestations can be exacerbated or muted by neurological and psychiatric disorders.