Persons with PD often experience demoralization, characterized by hopelessness and loss of meaning, and impaired psychosocial functioning. Interventions addressing these psychological aspects of PD are crucial but often overlooked in traditional treatment approaches.

Nine PD patients (mean age 67.3 years; 3 male, 6 female; all White/Non-Hispanic) were paired with undergraduate students from a single university for an 8-week virtual interaction program. Students and patients met twice monthly for 1 hour to discuss childhood stories, common interests and hobbies, career aspirations, and lived experiences. Demoralization was assessed using the Kissane Demoralization Scale (KDS), and psychosocial functioning was measured using the Scales for Outcomes in Parkinson’s Disease-Psychosocial Functioning (SCOPA-PS). Mean pre- and post-program scores were compared using paired t-tests.

The Parkinson's Pals program demonstrates promising potential in alleviating demoralization and improving psychosocial functioning in persons with PD through intergenerational connections with undergraduate students. High patient satisfaction also underscores the value of social interventions in PD care. Given the small sample size, larger-scale studies are warranted to validate these findings and explore the long-term impact of psychosocial interventions on patient outcomes.