Shared from myparkinsonsteam.com.
People with Parkinson’s disease may develop a symptom called hypomimia, which is a loss or reduction of facial expressions. People with this symptom may appear depressed or apathetic, even when that’s not how they’re feeling. As a result, facial masking can lead to misunderstandings and negatively affect social interactions and relationships.
“People always thought I hated them,” one MyParkinsonsTeam member wrote. “After I was diagnosed and found this was a symptom, I looked in the mirror, and it suddenly made sense.”
Various aspects of Parkinson’s contribute to facial masking, but the primary cause is a lack of dopamine in the brain. Recognizing this symptom early on will help you get treatment to address the issue.