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Dear Lin - About your father, you wrote -

> No where in books can I find anything that addresses what
>this disease has done to his mind.  He is 69 years old and had always been
>super active (hunting, etc.).  My family feels that he must also have an
>underlying condition -- that Parkinson's alone could not (or should not)
have
>affected his mind.

I hope your father has a neurologist who specializes in PD, or a movement
disorders specialist.  He or she would not only be more likely than the
average neurologist or g.p. to see that your father gets optimum care, but
could answer many of your family's questions as well.

In answer to your question about mental changes:  it is not uncommon for PD
to affect the mind.  Slow thinking and memory problems are the usual PD
deficits when the mind is affected.  I'm not sure whether hallucinations are
caused by the PD itself or the meds - I'm inclined to think they're more the
result of the meds.  If your father isn't taking any medication for his
hallucinations, ask the doctor about Clozaril.  It is used successfully in
treating a number of Parkinsonian's with hallucinations.

You can also request information from the archives about any and every
PD-related topic you have questions about.  I'm sure you'll find the list
helpful.

Sincerely, Margie Swindler       [log in to unmask]