tweetykat
07-26-2003, 03:50 PM
Hi,
I am new to this forum. My mom is 69 yeas old and has had parkinsons now for around 12 years. She has done pretty well with it until just recently. She is having a hard time sleeping at night and I think she may be suffering from mild depression and possibly dementia. If anyone could give me some information on this or some personal experiences I would really appreciate it. I am not sure what the difference is in dementia and azheimers. Does anyone know what the signs are in the last stages of parkinsons disease. Any information would be appreciated very much. Thank you so much.
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kat
I am new to this forum. My mom is 69 yeas old and has had parkinsons now for around 12 years. She has done pretty well with it until just recently. She is having a hard time sleeping at night and I think she may be suffering from mild depression and possibly dementia. If anyone could give me some information on this or some personal experiences I would really appreciate it. I am not sure what the difference is in dementia and azheimers. Does anyone know what the signs are in the last stages of parkinsons disease. Any information would be appreciated very much. Thank you so much.
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kat
Sponsor
Bruce
07-26-2003, 05:10 PM
I also have had pd twelve yeara, and am 65 years old. Not sleeping well is common in people with pd and can be caused by depression. I also have been diagnosed with depression in the past.
An anti anxiety drug can help the sleeping problem, but eventually will not work as well.
Dementia with pd gives the same symptoms as with alzheimers disease. The symptoms are halucintations, not being aware of your environment, maybe unable to speak clearly. Dementia is not a sure thing in advanced pd. In the later stages of pd, you might lose the ability to walk and speak clearly, and eventually might become bed ridden, but every pwp has unique symptoms and may progress at a lower rate and get along much better than i described
Every year the brain cells in a specific part of the brain of a pwp, loses their ability to produce dopamine which is how the disease is treated (drugs replace the dopamine that is lost).
Their has been a lot of progress in pd research the past few years. Their are currently experimental drugs undergoing clinical trials that look promising in slowing down the progression of pd.
Bruce
An anti anxiety drug can help the sleeping problem, but eventually will not work as well.
Dementia with pd gives the same symptoms as with alzheimers disease. The symptoms are halucintations, not being aware of your environment, maybe unable to speak clearly. Dementia is not a sure thing in advanced pd. In the later stages of pd, you might lose the ability to walk and speak clearly, and eventually might become bed ridden, but every pwp has unique symptoms and may progress at a lower rate and get along much better than i described
Every year the brain cells in a specific part of the brain of a pwp, loses their ability to produce dopamine which is how the disease is treated (drugs replace the dopamine that is lost).
Their has been a lot of progress in pd research the past few years. Their are currently experimental drugs undergoing clinical trials that look promising in slowing down the progression of pd.
Bruce
tweetykat
07-26-2003, 05:39 PM
Bruce,
Thank you very much for the info. I will try to talk with her Doctor soon about some medication for depression and anxiety. Have a good day and thanks again.
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kat
Thank you very much for the info. I will try to talk with her Doctor soon about some medication for depression and anxiety. Have a good day and thanks again.
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kat
Googy
07-27-2003, 07:47 PM
Kat,
My husband has dementia.He has had PD for 29 yrs.One thing I want to tell you and others that have loved ones with dementia.What they see: people animals whatever.Dont ever say they are not real.I have gone along with them all, we had dogs cats and several people with names.30 % of PLWP will get dementia.Bill also has another form of dementia,it is called "Sundowners,"this is late aternoon and evening.He gets violent,has no idea where he is doesn't know me or his loved ones.This is the kind gentle person who never would hurt anyone.This is very hard to see or deal with.
Jun 10 I had to admit him to a nursing home.He is getting better care than I could ever give him.24hrs.Doesn't need to struggle trying to do every day things we take for granted.
Googy
My husband has dementia.He has had PD for 29 yrs.One thing I want to tell you and others that have loved ones with dementia.What they see: people animals whatever.Dont ever say they are not real.I have gone along with them all, we had dogs cats and several people with names.30 % of PLWP will get dementia.Bill also has another form of dementia,it is called "Sundowners,"this is late aternoon and evening.He gets violent,has no idea where he is doesn't know me or his loved ones.This is the kind gentle person who never would hurt anyone.This is very hard to see or deal with.
Jun 10 I had to admit him to a nursing home.He is getting better care than I could ever give him.24hrs.Doesn't need to struggle trying to do every day things we take for granted.
Googy