 |
 |
Hello! This is a long post- I apologize- and in the future I will not be so wordy! I felt it important to give you an idea of our situation. I just found this list today. My father ( age 72-73 in December) has been ill for many years, and yesterday we went to a neurologist and he believes that my father is suffering from Parkinson's. It has been a nightmare rollercoaster for the last year and a half. His original diagnosis was Alzheimer's. He has had a tremor for most of his life, so when other symptoms began to appear the doctors discounted PD. The only problem with the diagnosis of AD was that his form of dementia has not jived with the typical memory ailments associated with AD. His short term memory and ability to do normal tasks has not declined , however, he does have some confused states. He does suffer from "freezing" while walking. He has all the textbook symptoms of PD-with the secondary symptoms of early dementia and depression. We are extremely concerned with the medications because I have read about the problems when a patient has both AD and Parkisonian symptoms. My dad has had severe reactions to meds in the past. The reason we just went to a neurologist is that we felt we needed a specialist to monitor his illness. We have had many problems w/physicians that seem to write him off after the AD diagnosis. He was heavily medicated on Mellaril and Resperidal last year. He became incapacited in all respects while on the meds. We left the care of the specialists and weaned him from the medications. His "recovery" was remarkable. He still has the problems that plagued him prior to his "treatment". He continues to see his regular doctor and we are very happy with the respect and concern displayed by his Neurologist. He is taking Aricept- does this cause complications with PD? He just started Selegiline. Among the supplements he takes daily are: Acetylcholine, vitamin E, Gingko, and St. John's Wort- as an antidepressant. I appreciate any responses, ideas, advice and concerns or questions! Please feel free to email me direct, if you wish! [log in to unmask] Thank you- Susan