Print

Print


Hello (please tell us what your name is!) and welcome to the list!  My mother is 76 and has been diagnosed for about 6 years.  Your post rang all sorts of bells for me, so I'm responding and hoping it'll help, if only to let you know you're not alone.

Trouble with drugs:   it's very difficult to regulate pd drugs.  Having info about the various drugs, side effects, etc. is helpful.  Also, there is widespread agreement that it's VERY impt for a PWP (person with PD) to see a movement disorders specialist or a neurologist who specializes in PD.  Folks in isolated areas often make long journeys once or twice a year to consult with such docs and find it worthwhile.

Twitching:    may be caused by too much sinemet, either in general or at a specific time.  Correct dosing can be affected by stress, weight loss, dehydration, you name it.

Depression:  if the prozac isn't working, ask for something else.  The "best" antidepressant seems to be a very individual matter!  And encourage your mom to get help for herself.  The Eldercare Locator, 800-677-1116 can tell you about resources in their zip code  (BTW  where are you?  where are they?)  Depression in PWP  and their caregivers is not uncommon, and CAN be treated effectively.

The latest methods:  dopamine (sinemet) seems to still be the main drug, but there are some new ones, also some surgeries....if you tell us what drugs your dad is on, you'll probably get some specific comments and suggestions.

Wish I could tell you that Mom is functioning well.  Really believe that her rather negative personality has a lot to do with it, though, as her pd is not all that far along.  I get the impression that many her age are coping much better than she is.

Keep an eye out for Camilla Flintermann's posts and ask her for info on joining the CARE lists for caregivers, too.

Again, welcome to the list.  I trust you'll "meet" many compassionate friends here, many of whom offer us the added gift of humor that brightens our lives.  Keep asking questions, and ask again if you don't get a response in a day or two; sometimes we all think someone else will have answered already, and then nobody does!

Mary Rack
cg for Mom, Louise (76/6 ish)
[log in to unmask]

----------