I think you are right.  You and others on this list have very good
insight:>)  Thank you!
I didn't enjoy the CARE list, I guess because I heard more negative than
positive. 

I don't want to upset anyone and will respectfully refrain from discussing
this matter on this listserv.

Kindest regards, Patti


-----Original Message-----
From: Parkinson's Information Exchange Network
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Mary Ann Ryan
Sent: Saturday, March 20, 2010 8:51 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: need help with dementia diagnosis - Alan & Patti Zapf Texas

It has been suggested that this discussion continue on the CARE list.  Many 
PWP might find this conversation upsetting.  Tell me what you think.
----------
Mary Ann
www.bentwillowfarm.org
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "PATTI ZAPF" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 6:34 AM
Subject: Re: need help with dementia diagnosis - Alan & Patti Zapf Texas


> Thank you Mary Ann for your helpful input below.
> Were you able to care for Jamie yourself?
> Did you have help come in?
> Would you share specifics about the toileting program?
>
> I am working full-time these days and gone mostly during the day.  I
> just started this position last November.  We need the money and my
> position has brought me much joy and satisfaction.
>
> We have home health care come in 5 days a week and they stay an hour
> and provide physical therapy(2 days) or help him shower and dress(3
> days).  He also gets meals on wheels for lunch during the work week.
> All the helpers always check on him and if he doesn't answer the door,
> they call me and let me know.
>
> I'm not sure how much longer he will qualify for home health care.
> The guidelines say he must show signs of improvement to continue in
> each 60 day benefit period.  He has had home health care the last
> eight months.  Our 21 year old son lives at home and home offices his
> insurance business, so his dad is often not alone too much during the
> day.  I found a young lady yesterday that is a delight and lives a
> mile away and will maybe(hopefully) be around for a while.  She came
> over yesterday for a few hours and will come again today.
>
> Thanks again for sharing your thoughts...
> Patti cg
>
> On Mar 18, 2010, at 7:30 AM, Mary Ann Ryan wrote:
>
>> Alzheimer's dementia is unremitting.  Once it starts the person
>> never reverses.  In PD the dementia gets worse and then gets better,
>> gets worse - then better.  In my husband's case, it didn't
>> completely overtake him, although he never completely returned to
>> normal.  We could still talk about what happened yesterday or last
>> week - in snatches.
>>
>> Ultimately, it seems that death occurs in similar fashion in both
>> diseases. My husband slept most of the day during his last months,
>> totally lost his appetite and merely slipped away.  He never lost
>> his ability to swallow - although that is a common problem in end-
>> stage PD, as it is in Alzheimer's.
>>
>> Incidentally, with a proper toileting program my husband was
>> continent to the very end.
>> ------
>> Mary Ann
>> www.bentwillowfarm.org
>>
>>> Hello Mary Ann
>>>
>>> What's the difference in symptoms btw PD dementia and Alzheimer's
>>> dementia?
>>> Thanks
>>>
>>>> Patti, Aricept has mixed results - some people do well on it while
>>>> others
>>> don't notice a difference.  Our neuro refused to prescribe any
>>> dementia
>>> drugs for Jamie because he claimed that they cause even more balance
>>> issues - so I have no personal experience with that group of meds.
>>>
>>> Please keep in mind that depression is very common in PD - probably
>>> because
>>> there are a host of neurotransmitters involved in the disease.  It
>>> isn't
>>> surprising that depression may result as a consequence.  Please
>>> keep in mind
>>>
>>> that PD dementia is a lot different than Alzheimer's dementia.
>>> Even at the
>>> end of his life and despite severe dementia, Jamie still remembered
>>> who we
>>> were, where he was and what was going on in the world.
>>>
>>> Just continue to stimulate your husband's brain with puzzles, books
>>> and
>>> games.  Social interaction is also very beneficial.
>>> --------
>>> God bless
>>> Mary Ann (CG Jamie 68/28 with PD, died 11/20/07)
>>> www.bentwillowfarm.org
>>>
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>>
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