How Does Spirituality and Religion Reduce the Burden of Caregivers for Parkinson's Patients?

Globally, Parkinson's disease (PD) is known as the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, particularly affecting individuals over the age of 65. According to current estimates, the prevalence of PD is expected to quadruple to 8.7 million by 2040. This disease significantly impacts patients' quality of life, not only with motor symptoms but also with non-motor symptoms such as depression, apathy, sleep disorders, and anxiety. As the disease progresses, patients require more family support, which in turn places physical, emotional, and social burdens on caregivers. A study conducted in Turkey highlights these challenges and the importance of multifaceted support mechanisms. The research emphasizes the urgency of developing supportive strategies for both patients and caregivers, underscoring the need for a holistic approach in managing Parkinson's disease. Another significant point highlighted in the research is the profound impact of spirituality and religious attitudes on the well-being of family caregivers for Parkinson's patients. This pioneering study explores how caregivers deeply connected to spirituality and participating in religious practices can provide critical coping mechanisms in the face of physical, psychological, and financial challenges they encounter. Unlike previous studies, this research uniquely emphasizes the importance of spiritual and religious attitudes. It is observed that caregivers who participate in spiritual practices or have strong religious beliefs are more effective in stress management and managing emotional distress, and they find a deeper meaning and purpose in their caregiving role. These findings suggest that integrating spiritual support into caregiving strategies offers a new perspective in reducing caregiver burden and enhancing well-being. These findings suggest that health systems need to further recognize and reinforce the value of spiritual and religious dimensions in improving caregiving experience and outcomes, thus adopting a more holistic support approach for PD caregivers.