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Parkinsons and dementia
- Thread starter jessica meadows
- Start date
Sometimes that's just what we have to do Patsy. You know you'll always get support here.
I know I am so glad I found you all, as I said in my very 1st post I realise I am no longer alone.
Hi Jessica
My wife has had parkinsons for 13 years and developed dementia 3 years ago she is under the care of a neurologist and a memory psychologist.They put her on a drug called Rivastigmine in tablet form which made her ill like your husband,they stopped the tablets and replaced it with a transdermal patch which is replaced every 24 hours ,the patches have been very successful with no side effects.I hope this helps.
I'm wondering if B's Parkinson's has now gone further, he follows me about, watching, and if he thinks of something it gets blown all out of proportion. EG we had the boiler serviced and now because he has gritty eyes and a runny nose he thinks it is broken, (I will call Monday just to make sure) but he forgets that every spring he gets pollen fever with the rape flowers and the fruit trees.
My Q? is could he be heading for full blown dementia.
My Q? is could he be heading for full blown dementia.
My mum had Parkinson's, diagnosed for 7 years before she showed signs of Lewy Body Dementia, for which she was prescribed Exelon (Rivastigmine).
The trouble with the medication for Parkinson's is that in itself can cause symptoms which are similar to that of Parkinson's, or even dementia. So it becomes difficult to differentiate between the problems caused by the disease - PD or dementia - or the medications.
Unfortunately both progress degeneratively, but as to what level and how quickly it is difficult to predict.
I found with my mum that her symptoms and abilities fluctuated - by the week, day or hour at times. I could never guarantee how any day would go, or what to expect.
There does seem to be a common theme with any dementia that infections of any type, and however mild, can cause havoc with confusion and abilities. If you are noticing a sudden change in your husband, it might be worth seeing if you can have him tested for perhaps a urinary infection (common with PD due to the issues with bladder emptying etc anyway). Does your husband see a neurologist, or have a Parkinson's Nurse Specialist, for his PD? It might be worth trying to get an appointment to get his medication reviewed, or at least to be able to report these downturns and talk it over with someone qualified who might be able to help.
The trouble with the medication for Parkinson's is that in itself can cause symptoms which are similar to that of Parkinson's, or even dementia. So it becomes difficult to differentiate between the problems caused by the disease - PD or dementia - or the medications.
Unfortunately both progress degeneratively, but as to what level and how quickly it is difficult to predict.
I found with my mum that her symptoms and abilities fluctuated - by the week, day or hour at times. I could never guarantee how any day would go, or what to expect.
There does seem to be a common theme with any dementia that infections of any type, and however mild, can cause havoc with confusion and abilities. If you are noticing a sudden change in your husband, it might be worth seeing if you can have him tested for perhaps a urinary infection (common with PD due to the issues with bladder emptying etc anyway). Does your husband see a neurologist, or have a Parkinson's Nurse Specialist, for his PD? It might be worth trying to get an appointment to get his medication reviewed, or at least to be able to report these downturns and talk it over with someone qualified who might be able to help.
We have an appointment july and yes he has good days and bad, but I can't say anything as I am bad cop.
I have called gas board as he is getting snuffly and I am getting gritty eyes so maybe he is right
This was in papers yesterday thought it might be of interest
http://www.dundee.ac.uk/news/2015/dundee-researchers-win-parkinsons-uk-funding.php
or
http://news.stv.tv/tayside/1320799-...o-unlock-secrets-behind-parkinsons-at-dundee/
http://www.dundee.ac.uk/news/2015/dundee-researchers-win-parkinsons-uk-funding.php
or
http://news.stv.tv/tayside/1320799-...o-unlock-secrets-behind-parkinsons-at-dundee/
turned out the house was too hot and I ad a cold coming on, we turned heating down and everything fine now.
hello, just need a hugg and some reassurance here. B as you know has Parkinson's and has difficulty swallowing. He wasn't the reason I joined her it was mum. But in recent weeks B seems to be becoming a little more forgetful and has been awfully clingy. He has been getting in my way when I try to do things, and well I know he i strying to help but he is pushing me too hard. I am beginning to wonder if he is "sundowning" as when I get home from work he follows me about ( I work 10-3 now because of him) and I have little me time these days. I know that when I mention something about mum he just looks blank, not sure if he wonders if I am nagging. Also now and again he comes out with a comment that makes me think I am always the wrong one. Wondering is he in denial and how do I get him checked without any arguements.
When he next goes for a Parkinsons appointment (if he hasnt got one then make one) write a letter and give it to the receptionist when you book in and ask for the letter to go on the front of his records so that the doctor can see it. You can get dementia associated with Parkinsons so the doctor will have come across it before and will know how to deal with it, or who to refer to.
We have an appointment in July, I will see what she says but it is difficult as at hospital and the doc there has the files. I don't want to write as it will show up. I also have the heart nurse with him later in july will see what she says from seeing him last year. But thank you canary
Hi, we have just come back from the Parkinson's clinic , it was ok, but at last or should I say thank goodness. OH just said to me "I think I have dementia."
I don't know whether to laugh or cry, but at least he has admitted someting else is wrong with him.
Now I will wait until it either gets worse or he wishes to see doc. But as they say with alcoholics, once you admit there is something wrong then that is the start.
Thank you for reading.
I don't know whether to laugh or cry, but at least he has admitted someting else is wrong with him.
Now I will wait until it either gets worse or he wishes to see doc. But as they say with alcoholics, once you admit there is something wrong then that is the start.
Thank you for reading.
Hello Jessica,
My wife has had Parkinsons for 14 years and developed Dementia just over 3 years ago she was prescribed Rivastigmine in tablet form which gave her sickness and diarrohea the doctor changed the tablets for a transdermal patch of the same dose once every 24 hours and she is doing well with no side effects she has been on the patches for about 2 years.
God Bless
sitting here crying. We went to the doc yesterday re his depression and lack of appetite, the doc gave him Mirtazapine, he slept well last night but today he is just so sleepy, and light headed.
Not sure what to do. I know it is an antidepressant but it can take time to kick in but he is so down today.
Sorry I think I'd better go.
Not sure what to do. I know it is an antidepressant but it can take time to kick in but he is so down today.
Sorry I think I'd better go.
((((hugs)))) patsy. Hang on in there.
Anti-Ds often make you feel worse the first week you take them and then they can take 2 - 4 weeks before you start to see the affects.
Anti-Ds often make you feel worse the first week you take them and then they can take 2 - 4 weeks before you start to see the affects.
