dear camilla
  since i can only type with one finger i won't even try to copy definition
but want you to know that websters dictionary had the exact same words to
describe the word  [perserveration] as you did. there was not a
synonym given so you had it right.
    sincerely
      connie tate
-----Original Message-----
From: Camilla Flintermann <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Wednesday, August 04, 1999 8:55 PM
Subject: Perseveration ? (this is about PD)


>Dear listfriends---
>
>On CARE recently we have been discussiog a symptom or characteristic of PD
>which I've labeled "perseveration".  By that, I mean to include the
>physical and mental inability or difficulty in letting go of a thought or a
>thing, which seems to be common woth PWPS, and can be very frustrating to
>their CGs.
>
>Having to help someone let go of a walker or a spoon, etc, is no big
>problem, but the *mental* letting go seems much harder.  A simple
>illustration might be when the CG  has the meal hot and ready, calls the
>PWP to the table, and s/he won't stop whatever it is s/he may be
>doing---the CG gets "hotter" while the dinner cools !    Another example:
>the PWP gets an idea into her/his head about something, and  though it is
>not an emergency can't wait for a time when the CG can take care of it, but
>keeps pushing and pushing to "do it NOW!".
>
>Now I realize some of us" human beans" are just plain obsessive-compulsive,
>but  I wonder if this can be more than a personality trait or problem, and
>may have some of its origin in the PD itself.  My own dear PWP was seldom
>like that in the "good old days" before he met up with Mr. Parkinson.  When
>we discussed this on CARE, a number of CGs said it rang a bell for them.
>
>The other day I was reading something about PD which I can not find, of
>course, now that I want it. It described this very tendency, which I have
>called "perseverating"  but by a different name.  I wonder if any of you
>can relate to this, and may know the "technical" term for it which was
>used?  I would surely like to know !
>
>Camilla Flintermann, CG for Peter 81/70/55
>Oxford, Ohio
>http://www.newcountry.nu/pd/members/camilla/one.htm
><[log in to unmask]>
>
>                        "Ask me about the CARE list for
>                        Caregivers of Parkinsonians ! "
>