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This is from Neurology Web forum http://dem0nmac.mgh.harvard.edu/neurowebforum/ParkinsonsDiseaseArticle s/CognexusedforParkinsons.htmlA Cognex used for Parkinsons? This response submitted by Joan Aylor Kirby on 1/3/96. My 78 year old father was diagnosed with Parkinsons 4 years ago and was making improvement with monitored dosages of Sinemet, still walking and driving. Four weeks ago, his doctor prescribed Cognex for short term memory loss. >From his first day on Cognex, we noticed impaired speech and movement. After seven days on Cognex, via a phone conversion with his doctor, he was taken off Cognex and his Sinmet dosage was reduced to 2/5ths. At this point, he became totally rigid (bed-ridden), unable to talk, walk or control his urine or bowel functions. His blood pressure increased, oxygen level decreased to 84%, stomach hurt, and he began to run a 101 fever, at which point he was hospitalized. Three days after hospitalization, his internist was unable to wake him for several hours, and we feared the worst. His internist then changed his antibiotic and he began to improve, but continuously complained of pain in his calves. When his normal dosage of Sinemet was resumed, he began to hallucinate for the first time in his history of Parkinsons. Reducing the Sinemet again improved the hallucinations, but his movements remained impaired. After a week, the fever subsided and we were able to move him to Fairfax Hospital rehabilitation center. Here's the question: since all tests for stroke, thrombosis, pneumonia, etc. remained negative and the pain still remains in his legs, is there a doctor, specialist who might suggest what happened to throw his body in a disease state beyond the Parkinsons? The fever remains low grade, but no diagnoses was made about the actual physical effects of Cognex on a Parkinsons patient. Would respectfully appreciate any response by Parkinsons patients or family with any similar reaction to Cognex. Thank you. Next Article Previous Article Return to Main Article Article complete. Click HERE to return to the Neurology Web-Forum Menu. ------------------------------------ Cognex in Parkinsons Disease http://dem0nmac.mgh.harvard.edu/neurowebforum/ParkinsonsDiseaseArticle s/CognexinParkinsonsDisease.html This response submitted by [log in to unmask] on 10/28/95. Cognex is a medication used to improve memory in those with mild Alzheimers Disease. The drug increases the acetylcholine level in the brain which then improves memory function. The effect of Cognex on memory disturbance in Parkinsons Disease has not been tested. Increasing the acetylcholine level may increase parkinsonian symptoms. This occurs becuase there is an imbalance between dopamine and acetylcholine in the brain of people with PD. Theoretically, increased levels of acetylcholine would oppose dopamine and hence increase the features of PD. Therefore the drug company has been reluctant to pursue additional testing of this drug in the treatment of dementia associated with PD. From my observation in a few (20) people, Cognex probably does not cause a significant in parkinsonian features. I also have not found a very postitive effect on memory. If memory is a major problem, I believe the medication is worth trying. There are several things to keep in mind when using this drug: 1. It may take 3-4 weeks before there is a positive effect on memory. 2. You need to have regular blood tests to watch for liver illness. 3. If you or your family are unable to see an improvement in memory function within a few months, the medication should be stopped. Next Article Return to Main Article Article complete. Click HERE to return to the Neurology Web-Forum Menu. _/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/ _/ _/ _/ Central Supply & Services _/ _/ (Internet Training and Research) _/ _/ PO Box 57247, Jackson Stn., _/ _/ Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, L8P 4X1 _/ _/ John S. Walker _/ _/ Email [log in to unmask] _/ _/ _/ _/ "To Teach is to touch a life forever" _/ _/ On the Web one touch can reach so far! _/ _/ _/ _/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/