V. R. Peyton wrote:
> I worry about the large number of PD patients being diagnosed with
> Alzheimers. A few years back, my father was thought to have AD as well as
> PD. There were days when he thought it was WW2 and he was living in
> Detroit, thought I was my mother, was looking for children who are all now
> over 40, and other "weird" things.
> Since his medications have been better regulated, he has had no more
> time-period confusion. Although he has difficulty talking, when he does, he
> is almost always oriented to time and place, and aware of his condition. The
> AD has taken a big turn for the better. Alas, his PD had taken a turn for
> the worse.
> Can anything be done to rule out med problems in those diagnosed with
> PD and AD?
Dear Vicki and list,
I'd like to post a feature from my June newsletter regarding
misdiagnosis of PD. Some medications can cause PD-like symptoms that are
mistaken for the actual condition. The physician then may begin
prescribing drugs from PD in addition to the original meds.
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You and your doctor
This month a family practitioner talks about Parkinson's
disease. Dr. William J. Thieman, M.D., has been a family practitioner
for 15 years. He understands and treats the health needs of older
adults, including hypertension, diabetes, arthritis and impotence.
IS IT REALLY PARKINSON'S DISEASE? Parkinson's disease is a
disorder that results from damage to the brain. Doctors don't yet know
what causes it, but the signs of Parkinson's disease include trembling
in the arm, hand, or leg; rigid posture; and unbalanced, shuffling
walk. As the disease progresses, there may be shaking of the head and a
stooped posture. Everyday activities, like bathing and dressing, become
difficult to perform.
Now, the National Institute on Aging reports on medications that
may produce symptoms like Parkinson's disease. Researchers have found
that several commonly-prescribed drugs can produce effects that are much
like Parkinson's--so similar, in fact, that some people have been
wrongly diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
For example, sometimes people have nausea or vomiting during
cancer treatment. The drug Reglan (metoclopramide) is often prescribed
to prevent this stomach upset, allowing the patient to eat normally.
Reglan may also be used for heartburn.
Although Reglan is a useful medication, some older adults
experience reactions, especially if they use it for a long time, or use
large doses.Undesirable reactions to Reglan include rigidity, trembling,
or mask-like faces.
Doctors may believe the patient has Parkinson's, and begin
prescribing drugs for Parkinson's disease. Certain tranquilizers taken
for nervous disorders can also cause Parkinson-like symptoms in some
older adults.
The National Institute on Aging cautions older adults to be
aware of possible side effects of these and other drugs. If you or
someone you know begins to have symptoms after starting a new
medication, it's important to let your doctors know.
Your family doctor can be very helpful in dealing with other
specialists. You must tell your family doctor about all the medications
you receive from other physicians. And it's important to explain the
symptoms you experience.
New and better medications are being developed each year,
providing relief from Parkinson's disease, and other illnesses. However,
older adults are more likely than younger persons to experience
undesirable reactions from drugs. Your doctor wants to choose the
medication that's best for you. So it's important to work closely
together.
Be extra alert to side effects when starting any new medication.
It helps to inform those near to you--a spouse, a neighbor, a loved
one--so that they can be on the lookout for unusual behavior, too. And
it may help to bring that person with you when you go to the doctor.
Sometimes a second person can bring a different perspective or
explanation.
Always be sure your family doctor knows of any new symptoms you
have after starting a new medication. Together, you can find a treatment
that's best for you.
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--
Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD
Editor-in-Chief,
"Spotlight on Food--nutrition news for people 60-plus"
Tel: 970-493-6532 Fax: 970-493-6538
http://www.fortnet.org/~fivstar
You may wish to contact:
Better Business Bureau of the Mountain States,
< [log in to unmask]>
for further information.
