My Mom is almost 79, was diagnosed with PD almost 2 years ago and denies that she has it. She says that she has Ataxia. Her symptoms include falling backwards, rigidity, (more on the right side), handwriting not readable, balance isn't good, uses walker, and she is beginning to hallucinate (seeing things while we are driving differently than they are, and asking questions about where are all of the people going). I say this as my Mother in law had PD and the same exact symptoms.
Mom takes Azilect which is prescribed by her neurologist, but states that it is just for balance. She says that she doesn't have PD because she doesn't have the "stone face." Her speech is still of normal tone, and she complains of all of her shoes sticking to the carpet, flooring, cement, etc. I have purchased her 4 pair of slippers and end up taking them back as nothing I buy works properly in her mind. Presently her only slippers have huge holes in the sole. Taking her out shopping is impossible, as she refuses to own a wheelchair, but won't refuse the use of one when we get to her various doctor's offices if there is one available for me to use.
Her other health problems are coronary heart disease, (double bypass in 1997), PAD, Chronic Renal disease, stage 4, Hypertension, and has broken several bones, including a hip, before the PD diagnosis. If I compare her symptoms to my recently deceased Mother in law's symptoms, she gets very angry with me. Mom was a caregiver and says that she took care of several PD patients, none of which were like her. What can I do? I hate seeing her decline and live on her own, but she refuses any other help except a housekeeper once a week. Mom really needs assisted living, but there aren't any available here in Michigan that are for low income people. Besides, she is adamant about keeping her dog and not going anywhere, she says that I am responsible for all of those decisions and will blame me if she has to make a change. I told her that I am not a doctor and that it is up to them as to what her needs are. I recently turned her into the state for an evaluation on her driving, (I told her I was doing this), and she failed the test before leaving the parking lot, and blamed it on the examiner and can't take the test again for another year. Thus, she is insistent that she is going to get better and walk again and won't give up her car, which just sits. Any suggestions? I am alone in this and am wearing out.
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