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Hi Diane, Sorry to hear about your dad's problem. I agree with John Morey. Medications are very likely the cause or at least the precipitant of the problem. The tricky part is that they are also likely necessary for control of his PD. Beware that I have read numerous reports on the list of physicians- well meaning but apparently untrained in psychopharmacology and PD either withdrawing almost all meds cold turkey or using the same medications such as Haldol that would be used for an Alzheimer's patient. The problem with the first approach is self=evident for anyone who has experienced or watched the consequences of suddenly being without meds in a person with significant PD symptoms. He may stop hallucinating but at what cost. Most of the medications used to treat paranoia and delusions block dopamine and can cause a pseudoparkinsonism in people without the disease- let alone a PWP. It is extremely important to obtain consultation from someone who knows psychopharmacology and PD well. If your dad has a neurologist trained in movement disorders and comfortable with treating psychiatric problems that would be sufficient. Otherwise I suggest consultation with a psychiatrist who is experienced with psychopharmacology and PD as well. Likely the first thing he/she will do is- after a full evaluation- attempt to adjust the PD meds carefully and see if that will control the symptoms. The other possibility is the use of one of the new generation neuroleptics with care. Clozaril is probably the best with PD but can have some serious side effects. Zyprexa can possibly be helpful- it is rather new and I don't have experience with it. While difficult- hallucinations in PD are potentially treatable. and should not be seen as an inevitable part of the disease process. Good luck and keep me informed about what is happening. Charlie McHutchison wrote: > > All --- > > My mom asked me to post this query to my "net-buddies", as she put it. > We know that paranoia and hallucinations are all part of the > Parkinson's package, but for the past couple of days, Dad's been > outdoing himself. > > He's absolutely convinced that there is / has been / will be a fire at > the nursing home. Monday morning, in fact, the director of social > services "walked" with him to each room on the floor (Dad's in a > wheelchair right now), and he felt each and every doorknob to see that > it was not hot (as it would be in a fire). Even after that ritual, he > still wouldn't give up the idea. > > It was suggested to him that he go downstairs, and outside, so that he > could see that the building was fine. He got quite indignant, stating > that he couldn't go downstairs.... he can't go down the stairs in the > wheelchair, and everyone knows that you don't use elevators in a fire. > > They finally convinced him to go down, and Mom and he sat in the > community room downstairs. The primary purpose for getting him off of > the 2nd floor that afternoon was that, as luck would have it, they > were having a fire drill! (The staff knew about it, the residents > didn't). > > Another evening recently Dad hustled Mom out of the day room they were > visiting in. When she asked why, he told her simply to move it now, > and he'd explain later. Once "safely" down the hall she asked him > again, and he told her that the room was on fire... couldn't she see > it? > > Now. He's never been in a fire; My uncles are all firefighters, as > are my brother-in-law, nephew, husband, and myself. We've never had > any of our homes damaged by fire. > > Could it be that because he can't do anything for himself (get out of > bed, walk alone, etc.) that he's feeling trapped, and worrying? What > is it with the fire.... does anyone else have such vivid fears--- > centering on a single topic? > > Thanks for any and all input. We're all baffled. > > Diane McHutchison > LD Caregiver for Dad (69/7+) -- ********************************************************** CHARLES T. MEYER, M.D. MADISON, WISCONSIN **********************************************************