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About confusion. My father (age 76 Dx about 8 yrs) had reached a stage where he was confused most of the time. (On Sinemet & Eldepryl for PD, plus *many* other meds for lung, heart and kidney conditions) The messages from this list led us to suspect that at least part of his problem was caused by the meds. He is now on a reduced dosage of Sinemet, no Eldepryl, and only 4 other meds (three of them for the lung problem, one for heart). The problem for us (and him) was "Is it better to be able to get around well and not know that you're doing it or get around a little less well, and know who and where you are? We're still working on it. (with the neurologist's guidance, of course) :( He will be going in hospital sometime this month for a "tune-up" At least NOW his medical records show that he has a low tolerance for Sinemet, so whatever happens we don't expect that medication to be increased again! Anyway, I think I meant to say -- Remember that everyone with PD is different and react differently to the disease AND to the medications. If your father-in-law's problem turns out to be medication-related, his condition CAN be improved even tho it might take a bit of experimentation. (again, as always, don't experiment without checking with his neuro, and if the neuro is *totally* against a change in meds, you might want to try to find another one.) joyce At 11:54 AM 11/12/96 -0500, Sid Gudes wrote: >After following this list for a while I am impressed with how many people >with PD participate. My father-in-law was diagnosed with PD three years >ago. He couldn't possibly participate because he is so mentally confused >95% of the time he can't have a conversation. I suspect the confusion is a >reaction to the medication rather than PD. (Sinemet, Parlodel, Amantadine) >Does anyone have comments about the confusion? His neuro asked my >mother-in-law if she preferred him confused or able to get to the bathroom. >Since she is not phisically strong she said she needs him to be able to get >around physically. She is very discouraged since she now believes she has to >choose whether to have a mate with a functioning mind or one that can help >her get him out of bed. I keep thinking there's something wrong with this >picture. The many who participate in this group are doing fine in the mind >department. Comments? Observations? Suggestions? > > >Lynne Gudes >"Common sense isn't." > >