New symptoms

Memphisdee

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.

Ed1937

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

Ty, that’s good help

Iris L.

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

Neurologist said it’s his low bp. Well check it!  Thanks everyone

Iris L.

Read about postural hypotension.  There may be some tips to help him.  

Iris

JJAz

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

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.