Cognitive Dementia

As a wife and carer I am at my wits end. My husband (78) was diagnosed 2 years ago with PD but I suspect he has had it for a long time before diagnosis. In the last 3 months he has been convinced that there are other people in our house and that there is 2 of me, both untrue. He gets angry and confronts me with “the other person”. He takes Madopar 4 times a day since the diagnosis and has been taking [Donepezil] 5mg for the past month and I thought it was helping with the confusion but he has gone back to seeing two of me again. I should say he has mobility problems, shortness of breath and back pain, all of which the PD team know about. I will be speaking to the PD nurse next week. Has anyone had this sort of experience and how have they dealt with it.
It is very distressing and I haven’t got anyone to support me on this.

Hello FRANH … Sorry to hear how things have turned out for you especially & your loved ones. You are not alone in having this particular challenge to your life. Why not give the helpline here a ring 0808 800 0303.

Also have a look through some of the topics here which are nearly identical to yours.

Best of luck.
Steve2

Hi Franh,

We’re very sorry to hear you’re dealing with such a challenging aspect of Parkinson’s. Your husband may need an adjustment to his meds or possibly a new prescription, so you are right to alert his team and it isn’t a bad idea at all to ask the community here.

But you must also take care of yourself. Steve has helpfully provided the number to our helpline. This is a free and confidential service staffed with highly knowledgable and friendly advisors who are glad to lend their expertise, and they are as equipped to help carers as people with Parkinson’s. Have a look at this section of our website for some general helpful information, and some contacts for carers in need of help. Supporting someone with Parkinson's | Parkinson's UK.

With our best wishes and warmest welcome,

Jason
Forum Moderator