Neurodegenerative disorders are incurable, chronic and progressive conditions that primarily affect neurons in the nervous system. They can have negative-to-devastating outcomes on an individual’s ability to function, quality of life, caregiver burden and financial strain. Because the distress can be overwhelming, it’s vital to understand the powerful impact of psychological resilience as these disorders progress over time.
Neurodegenerative Disorders
As the population in the United States continues to age, the risk of developing a neurodegenerative condition increases with each decade of life. Among the most common, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Multiple Sclerosis, will affect millions of people. These conditions can create great burdens to the individual, caregivers, and others. Among the devastating impacts, functional decline, dependency, and cognitive loss are associated with stress, anxiety and depression. This is why psychological resilience is so important.
Psychological Resilience
The American Psychological Association defines psychological resilience as the capacity or ability to adapt to stressful events or circumstances and adversity. It is also an individual’s ability to manage and successfully navigate through stressful and traumatic times. In simple terms, it’s the ability to face stress and bounce back to a healthier state of being. This involves internal characteristics like personality, coping style and interpersonal skills as well as external qualities including social support and services.
Why Psychological Resilience is Important Regarding Neurodegenerative Disorders
Without doubt, neurodegenerative disorders are among some of the most devastating conditions to live with for both the individual, family and caregivers and are associated with multiple losses in independence, careers, and social roles. Pain, infection, psychosocial difficulties, weakness and functional impairments are also part of the clinical picture and can cause great emotional suffering. These are, in part, why psychological resilience is so important.
What Research Shows
A good deal of research has examined the relationship between psychological resilience and neurodegenerative disorders. One key takeaway is that understanding what helps an individual to best cope with an illness and the factors that contribute to their psychological resilience allows family members, caregivers and professionals to best support their needs. Equally important, resilience should be addressed as early in the disease process as possible.
Here are a few findings between exercising effective psychological resilience and neurodegenerative disorders:
- Higher resilience is associated with less depression
- A lack of resilience is associated with depression, apathy and disability, especially among older adults
- Higher resilience is associated with fewer quality of life problems, greater acceptance, and self-efficacy
- Resilience is related to increased engagement and social support
- It positively impacts a person’s view of self, the world and the future
- It’s positively correlated with higher self-esteem and positive affect
Final Thoughts on Psychological Resilience and Neurodegenerative Disorders
Among the many diseases and conditions that negatively impact quality of life and health, neurodegenerative disorders are some of the worst. They last a long time and become progressively worse, causing great pain and loss. Besides medications and various therapies, one’s ability to cope, adjust, and bounce back from adversity may be one of the most protective factors while navigating through various experiences with neurodegenerative disorders.