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My DH who has dementia just informed me that he has trouble with his balance when he gets up in the morning. Also having trouble shaving. He has a lot of the Parkinson’s symptoms but has never been diagnosed with it except the first neurologist whose we no longer go to.  The two he’s seen have not said Parkinson’s.  I’m not sure if I should inform neurologist or not. He’s turning checkbook over to me. He’s still driving and I still haven’t seen anything to worry about on the driving although I’m his gps in strange places.

Comments

  • Ed1937
    Ed1937 Member Posts: 5,090
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    If symptoms came on suddenly, it might be due to a UTI. The test is easy, and you should ask for a culture to be done with the test if you have one. That will give them the best information on what to treat it with.
  • Memphisdee
    Memphisdee Member Posts: 64
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    Ty, that’s good help
  • Iris L.
    Iris L. Member Posts: 4,420
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    Poor balance and falling are big problems for people with Parkinson's disease.  They have trouble moving their feet and shuffle when they walk.  They "freeze" when they walk.  They have tremors.  Medication possibly may help with ambulation.

    Iris

  • Memphisdee
    Memphisdee Member Posts: 64
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    Neurologist said it’s his low bp. Well check it!  Thanks everyone
  • Iris L.
    Iris L. Member Posts: 4,420
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    Read about postural hypotension.  There may be some tips to help him.  

    Iris

  • JJAz
    JJAz Member Posts: 285
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    MemphisDee,

    If your husband has dementia and recently has had symptoms associated with Parkinson's Disease, I would highly suspect 'Lewy Body Dementia.'  Lewy symptoms typically show up individually over time, but he has two of them:  (1) balance problems (2) low blood pressure - may be autonomic system symptom. 

    Check out this diagnostic criteria to evaluate if your husband has any other diagnosis criteria 

    https://www.lbda.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/2017_professional_brief_-_dlb_diagnostic_criteria_0.pdf

    Please note that many Lewy patients have significant problems (up to and including death) with many medications, so it's important to be aware.

  • jfkoc
    jfkoc Member Posts: 3,880
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    Parkinson's is a long term degenerative disorder of the central nervous system. 

    It has motor as well as non-motor symptoms. Dementia, one of the non-motor symptoms, can lead ton a diagnosis of AD or LBD.

    It is important to get a diagnosis because the drugs are quite different.

    If possible try to get an appointment with a neurologist who is a movement disorder specialist. 

    At least read all you an about Parkinson's and Lewy Body Dementia. There is lot's online.

Commonly Used Abbreviations


DH = Dear Husband
DW= Dear Wife, Darling Wife
LO = Loved One
ES = Early Stage
EO = Early Onset
FTD = Frontotemporal Dementia
VD = Vascular Dementia
MC = Memory Care
AL = Assisted Living
POA = Power of Attorney
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