Question?? - Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia Message Board

mamaduck4 · 09-14-2006, 10:40 AM

Hello again,

Appreciate all the help I receive on this board, it really is a comfort to come here and learn so much.

My question.....I have noticed lately that my husband, who has had Alzheimer's for about five years now, has trouble with his hands shaking when he tries to eat. It seems to be getting worse every day. It shows up mostly for the evening meal. He also is confused as to when a fork should be used or knife,etc. Last night he used his fork to butter his bread, then used his ice tea spoon to try to eat spaghetti. Of course evening is bad for him anyway due to sundowning but the tremers have just recently started. Anyone else noticed this problem? I have often wondered if he might have Parkinsons or the start of that. The doctor has never mentioned this but then he hasn't been there since this all started. That is my next move..see the doctor.

Thanks,
Jan

Martha H · 09-14-2006, 12:17 PM

Dear Jan,

I see two possibilities

1. maybe he has developed Parkinsons as well as Dementia.

2. The tremor may be a side effect of other medicines he is taking. It would be very good to speak to his doctor soon!

Love,

Martha

needtoescape · 09-14-2006, 09:21 PM

Hi Jan,
My husband is not even diagnosed yet (though we both think that will happen eventually) - but he has the tremors too - mostly at night. We talked to the doc. and asked about Parkinson's; the doc. had him do some different movements and then said he didn't think it was that. I think it's med. related - or maybe blood sugar related. Doc. was not sure and didn't pursue at this time since it's just sporadic with him and other things were more pressing at the visit when we brought it up.

Hope your doc. has ideas to help.

WannaBeFreeToRoam · 09-14-2006, 11:34 PM

Hi Jan,

My dad has alzheimers and parkinsons. The neurologist said that he could tell he had parkinsons because, he shook (his hands), he shuffles his feet. When the doctor bent his legs and arms, and moved them around different ways, he said he was really stiff.

He takes sinemet or it is also called carbidopa/levadopa and he is staying just about the same. The neuro said not to bring him back (to just go to family dr.)til he is totally shaking all of the time.

I would have it checked out if I were you.

Love, Wannabe

mamaduck4 · 09-15-2006, 09:09 AM

Thanks for your input. He has been taking the same medicine, Aricept 10mg and Trazodone for over four years now. Nothing different so guess it must be related to some other problem.

It seems like just about the time you get used to one problem a few more crop up......but then this disease is so bewildering!

Have a good day,

Jan