PARKINSON DISEASE DEMENTIA,SCARY STUFF,VERY SCARY.

[OREOLU]

Hi Friends, if you have any experience as a caregiver,concerning this topic,please contribute.Your input will be appreciated.I will like to know,if this condition set in rapidly,or gradual.I mean the decline in cognition and memory.This is a source of concern for me,especially if as a PWP you don't have someone you can count on as your caregiver.Anytime that this crosses my mind,I tell myself,don't worry,God is in control.I understand,50% of PWP will develop this condition,and that it is not as bad as Alzheimer. Have you been forgetful a lot lately?I noticed that,I tend to forget things,when I get anxious.Do you feel this way too.Thanks in advance for your input.

[Hikoi]

Indeed it is scary stuff oreolu. But it is important to know that mild cognitive impairment , that is forgetting things, having trouble finding the right words, trouble multitasking is common and does not mean you are on the road to dementia. It is just part of PD.

[OREOLU in reply to Hikoi]

Hi Hikoi, I hope so. I am trying to think positively as much as I can. Thanks.

[rescuema]

Yup, it's part of getting old, whether you have PD or not. Don't stress out too much ruminating or it'll contribute to worsening of symptoms, just as you've noticed.

[OREOLU in reply to rescuema]

Hi rescuema, it's a vicious cycle,the stress comes after the forgetfulness. Thanks for your support.

[rescuema in reply to OREOLU]

I understand. Try to stay active and take a walk especially on a sunny day - nothing counters stress and aging faster better than an exercise.

[katherinecompton22]

I hear your anxiety and certainly understand. I have put off learning to practice meditation way too long - maybe that is something that would help us both!

[OREOLU in reply to katherinecompton22]

Hi, yes meditation,I 've got to look into this too.

[Reginald1]

I agree with the previous posts, I'm not sure whether it's PD or just a part of getting older. I notice I'm forgetting things easier so I'm getting into the habit of writing things down.

[OREOLU]

Thanks everyone for all your support.

[parkie13]

What drugs are you taking? Some of the Parkinson's drugs will make you feel like you're losing your mind.

[Hikoi in reply to parkie13]

i do know they can cause hallucinations in some people if thats what you mean by losing your mind. But it is not a given, depends on amount, combination etc.

[parkie13 in reply to Hikoi]

When I wrote this I was thinking about azilect. In the very beginning they put me on it and I thought I was losing my mind. Could not remember anything, it was absolutely horrible. I just stopped it. A lot of people take it may do just fine with it.

[OREOLU in reply to parkie13]

Hi parkie 13, I take sinemet and half dose mirtazapne for sleep at night. I think you might be right,the mirtazapine has thinking problems listed as one of it's side effects.I am going to discuss this with my doctor during my next visit,coming up soon.

[Hikoi]

Oreolu

It is not just about getting older though that may contribute but mild cognitive impairment is definitely part of PD and you will find u tube lectures on it. It is problems with executive function of the brain. If reading that and watching the videos does not allay your fears then I suspect you also have anxiety, exceedingly common in PD and not always coming with depression. It can be very debilitating so worth discussing with your health team.

[OREOLU in reply to Hikoi]

Yes I do have anxiety,that is the main non motor symptoms,that was initially diagnosed many years before PD,but I have been managing it to my best ability. I will review all these with the doctor at next appointment.Thanks.