Degenerative Disorders: Parkinsons Disease - Essay Example

"Degenerative Disorders: Parkinson’s Disease" is a worthy example of a paper on neurology.
Fredric Olsen’s growing Parkinson’s disease (PD) can elicit different reactions in people. This difference in their perspectives is because of their different cultural backgrounds and different takes on mental diseases. For example, Sarah’s father Manny is a strong believer in supernatural influences like “Brujeria.” Similarly, in the case of PD, some family members like Ella believe the disease can be handled somehow by natural means, while others like Manny simply think that others are crazy. In contrast, banishing bad spirits is the number one solution for John in case of every health issue due to his Native American origin.

Lozano (2013) also claims that native Indians in America thousands of years ago believed that any person showing signs of psychiatric illness was possessed by evil spirits. Ray and Street (2006, p. 35) suggest that it is very difficult for family members to sustain their commitment to relatives suffering from PD. PD entices feelings of inferiority, guilt, and forlornness in PD patients (Jacopini, 2000, p. 263). But, social support, the kind of help and care received by a patient, helps to reduce the effect of stressors leading to positive outcomes (Moore & Seeney, 2007). In light of this research evidence, behavioral and emotional change is expected in Fredric in that he can become more reclusive and antisocial. Also, his family can also have issues sustaining their commitment to the “shakey grandpa.” Ella will urge others to treat Fredric using a variety of natural means. John will think the disease is the result of the growing influence of bad spirits. Many will think that someone has put a spell on the grandpa.