Hi carers,
It seems that all the posts are regarding parkinsons but not parkinsons dementia Are there anyone with first hand experience of this complaint with whom I can exchange ideas etc... regarding the above.
Anticipated thank you!
Natasha
Hi Natasha,
My mum had a diagnosis of Lewy Body Dementia having had Parkinson's diagnosed for some 7 years prior to that. She died 18 months after her LBD diagnosis.
I found a lot of information from the Alzheimer's Society website about how to deal with the issues raised by LBD, both understanding it and how to support Mum better and find ways round the problems. Although called Alzheimer's Society, it covers all types of dementia. It also provides information about how to seek support and financial issues.
There seems to be a slight distinction between PDD and LBD, but there are a lot of similarities in terms of all dementia problems.
I hope that might help you a little.
My mum had a diagnosis of Lewy Body Dementia having had Parkinson's diagnosed for some 7 years prior to that. She died 18 months after her LBD diagnosis.
I found a lot of information from the Alzheimer's Society website about how to deal with the issues raised by LBD, both understanding it and how to support Mum better and find ways round the problems. Although called Alzheimer's Society, it covers all types of dementia. It also provides information about how to seek support and financial issues.
There seems to be a slight distinction between PDD and LBD, but there are a lot of similarities in terms of all dementia problems.
I hope that might help you a little.
Thank you so much Platespinner and have a good day!
Natasha
Natasha
Am I then the only carer to deal with parkinson dementia?
It is hard to believe and I was hoping to exchange posts with people on the forum
not only referring to a website. This makes me even more isolated than I am already. Sad!
It is hard to believe and I was hoping to exchange posts with people on the forum
not only referring to a website. This makes me even more isolated than I am already. Sad!
Dear Natasha,
I suggested the AS website as I had tried the PD one when it came to my mum's problems, but wasn't able to find anything relating to my/my mum's issues; when I googled certain phrases I found matches taking me to the AS site.
My mum's PD was very much declining, and it seemed that writing of the more negative aspects and end-stage PD with LBD was not appropriate here - it seemed this is more geared towards managing diagnosis/meds/symptoms in earlier stages; my doom and gloom felt wrong in amongst those trying to keep positive. On the AS site the worst has already happened - the diagnosis of dementia - and the prognosis in that situation is primarily only about decline and its management.
My response to you equally felt inappropriate - suggesting another website - but that was where I got the information and support I needed. There are websites for PDD/LBD, very often American based, but again its all out there if you find those help you in any way.
Perhaps there are others who use this forum who will feel able to step forward and discuss this with you. I am happy to share my experiences with you - please do post if there is anything in particular you wanted to know about.
I suggested the AS website as I had tried the PD one when it came to my mum's problems, but wasn't able to find anything relating to my/my mum's issues; when I googled certain phrases I found matches taking me to the AS site.
My mum's PD was very much declining, and it seemed that writing of the more negative aspects and end-stage PD with LBD was not appropriate here - it seemed this is more geared towards managing diagnosis/meds/symptoms in earlier stages; my doom and gloom felt wrong in amongst those trying to keep positive. On the AS site the worst has already happened - the diagnosis of dementia - and the prognosis in that situation is primarily only about decline and its management.
My response to you equally felt inappropriate - suggesting another website - but that was where I got the information and support I needed. There are websites for PDD/LBD, very often American based, but again its all out there if you find those help you in any way.
Perhaps there are others who use this forum who will feel able to step forward and discuss this with you. I am happy to share my experiences with you - please do post if there is anything in particular you wanted to know about.
oops, meant to add - the AS website has a brilliant forum with very helpful and supportive members - its not just a site for information. You would find others to share experiences with there - there are several members who are dealing with this.
Hello Natasha
I fear my husband has Parkinsons dementia but I have not yet been told that he is suffering from it, although in our previous area (we have recently moved - which hasn't helped)he was seeing a psychiatrist from the older persons mental health team.
He seems to spend more time away in a place of his own(sometimes scary, sometimes bewildering) than in reality, with me. He is due to see a new consultant soon when I hope we will get some help.
I am sure you are [u]not[/u] alone. I don't know what your PD person's symptoms are but you have my sympathy. It is extremely difficult living with and caring for someone who is mentally away in another place.
Best wishes
Worrals
I fear my husband has Parkinsons dementia but I have not yet been told that he is suffering from it, although in our previous area (we have recently moved - which hasn't helped)he was seeing a psychiatrist from the older persons mental health team.
He seems to spend more time away in a place of his own(sometimes scary, sometimes bewildering) than in reality, with me. He is due to see a new consultant soon when I hope we will get some help.
I am sure you are [u]not[/u] alone. I don't know what your PD person's symptoms are but you have my sympathy. It is extremely difficult living with and caring for someone who is mentally away in another place.
Best wishes
Worrals
Platespinner, In response, havent got a label of dementia but lots of hallucinations, confusion, not sure where we are, who you are, one minute and then back to normal the next. If those are the probs you are dealing with you are certainly not alone there are a few of us on this site.love Sunray
1 Like
Sorry Platespinner its Natasha am talking to, but there you go I am confused too sunray xx
Hi Natasha, My husband has had Parkinsons for 18 years,he is 67. It has not been confirmed that he Dementia, he is waiting to see a psychiatrist. He has been through some terrible times...Hallucinations etc. Now however,... he is seeing people who are not there....accuses me of having affairs.....the list is endless. Sometimes he is fine and seems like his old self, then he talks to me like I am his sister or someone else.(I suppose this is Dementia)It is very hard to cope with. We have been together for 48 years and married for 45 years. We still manage to socialise with friends on a Saturday night (They know him well)but conversation with him is becoming very difficult. I don't know if you are facing any of those problems but you are certainly not alone....keep calm.
1 Like
Jay/Natasha
and Hello again Sunray
My husband is 76 and was diagnosed 4 years ago. We have been together for 27 years and married for 25 (we have both been married before). Like Jay I am accused of having affairs, also of trying to steal his money and today, of 'being part of a scam' to stop him driving. I did stop him driving two years ago, with the agreement of our GP, who had known him for 15 years. I think this has come up now because I am buying a new car and he feels resentful that he can't drive it. He is seeing people all the time now and talks to them more than he talks to me. He seems to be better when we are out of the house. When he is his 'normal' self he is very loving and appreciative but when he gets into one of his 'conspiracy' modes he is quite hostile and it is like he is not the same person and he doesn't see me as who I am (his wife) either. It can be quite frightening for me but also I think for him.
It seems though that these symptoms are not unique, which is strangely comforting. I just try to live each day as it comes and take the best out of it.
love to you all
Worrals
and Hello again Sunray
My husband is 76 and was diagnosed 4 years ago. We have been together for 27 years and married for 25 (we have both been married before). Like Jay I am accused of having affairs, also of trying to steal his money and today, of 'being part of a scam' to stop him driving. I did stop him driving two years ago, with the agreement of our GP, who had known him for 15 years. I think this has come up now because I am buying a new car and he feels resentful that he can't drive it. He is seeing people all the time now and talks to them more than he talks to me. He seems to be better when we are out of the house. When he is his 'normal' self he is very loving and appreciative but when he gets into one of his 'conspiracy' modes he is quite hostile and it is like he is not the same person and he doesn't see me as who I am (his wife) either. It can be quite frightening for me but also I think for him.
It seems though that these symptoms are not unique, which is strangely comforting. I just try to live each day as it comes and take the best out of it.
love to you all
Worrals
Dear All,
Glad for Natasha that there are more of you for her to communicate with, but sorry to hear of your stories and that you are dealing with this.
My mum's diagnosis of LBD came after an unexplained fall followed by confusion; I got the District Nurses in, who then recommended a stay in the local Rehabilitation Ward linked with the Hospital. When we realised on her return from 4 weeks in rehab and she couldn't remember where her bathroom was, couldn't make a meal for herself, wouldn't wash, couldn't dress without assistance that there really was a big problem.
As she had been in the Rehab Ward we already had Doctor/Nursing/Occupational Therapists input and so Social Services were easily involved. Through them we were recommended a Care Agency, and twice daily carer visits were arranged to wash/dress/breakfast, then prepare for bed at the end of the day. Mum was provided with a Pivotell automatic medication dispenser via the Community Pharmacist (filled and delivered by her Pharmacy through the GP) after some muddled medications - she was on 7 times a day Stalevo, along with other meds (prior to the fall she had managed her complex meds by herself). Through SS she rented a personal care alarm pendant to wear (linked via her telephone line to a central call point); also a Keysafe box was fitted outside her front door so that the carers could get in and she didn't have to answer herself. The number for that was also held by the District Nurses, Police etc in a crisis. We also fixed up for "meals on wheels" hot lunch delivery with a cold snack for the evening meal. She also had cleaners who kept her house orderly.
We also visited regularly (from 60 miles away) to go shopping, do the washing, paperwork and so on.
Another major area was setting up Lasting Powers of Attorney for both Financial and Health & Welfare - these were registered but were only used latterly when she lost the physical ability (in her case rather than capacity) to do her own banking etc. All utilities bills were on a direct debit so that nothing got missed.
Her biggest problems were executive function - how to make things happen - rather than memory issues. She was still very much on the ball in conversation and everyday news events, but couldn't work, say, the television remote control. However, this fluctuated sometimes hourly, so sometimes she could do something, other times not, with no obvious trigger.
She was referred to the Geriatric Psychiatric Consultant who made the diagnosis of LBD. She was prescribed Exelon patches (Rivastigmine) which she herself reported as making her less "foggy", so that was a success in her case. She then received visits from the Community Psychiatric Nurse who kept track of how things were going. She also by then finally was allocated a Parkinson's Nurse - 7 years without anything other than her own efforts to manage her PD (through private health insurance and a very disinterested GP) before that.
Unfortunately a year after this another fall put her in hospital, and it became obvious that she couldn't return to her home safely. She then developed hospital acquired pneumonia twice, and her brain was damaged even further. She moved very quickly into end-stage PD, and her discharge to the Nursing Home was purely palliative.
This is written very pragmatically as an example of what support there is from outside agencies for handling early stage dementia, to help keep someone in their home, to manage the changes in ability. I haven't really touched on the emotional aspects - she was very aware of her fluctuating loss of abilities. We worked at keeping her world as calm and stress-free as possible, and tackled each new development as it arose. The role of the carer in this situation is a whole area that I haven't even started on! Plus all the other possible things such as special clocks, whiteboards, trackers, CCTV, managing continence etc etc etc....
Everyone's story is different, and how life with PD progresses in its own individual way varies, so I hope this hasn't upset anyone reading it. But I do hope that perhaps someone who is struggling with managing changed behaviours might be able to find help - but unfortunately you do have to make it happen and continuously badger to get that help. It took many calls and everyday ongoing input to keep this working - thus my username!
Glad for Natasha that there are more of you for her to communicate with, but sorry to hear of your stories and that you are dealing with this.
My mum's diagnosis of LBD came after an unexplained fall followed by confusion; I got the District Nurses in, who then recommended a stay in the local Rehabilitation Ward linked with the Hospital. When we realised on her return from 4 weeks in rehab and she couldn't remember where her bathroom was, couldn't make a meal for herself, wouldn't wash, couldn't dress without assistance that there really was a big problem.
As she had been in the Rehab Ward we already had Doctor/Nursing/Occupational Therapists input and so Social Services were easily involved. Through them we were recommended a Care Agency, and twice daily carer visits were arranged to wash/dress/breakfast, then prepare for bed at the end of the day. Mum was provided with a Pivotell automatic medication dispenser via the Community Pharmacist (filled and delivered by her Pharmacy through the GP) after some muddled medications - she was on 7 times a day Stalevo, along with other meds (prior to the fall she had managed her complex meds by herself). Through SS she rented a personal care alarm pendant to wear (linked via her telephone line to a central call point); also a Keysafe box was fitted outside her front door so that the carers could get in and she didn't have to answer herself. The number for that was also held by the District Nurses, Police etc in a crisis. We also fixed up for "meals on wheels" hot lunch delivery with a cold snack for the evening meal. She also had cleaners who kept her house orderly.
We also visited regularly (from 60 miles away) to go shopping, do the washing, paperwork and so on.
Another major area was setting up Lasting Powers of Attorney for both Financial and Health & Welfare - these were registered but were only used latterly when she lost the physical ability (in her case rather than capacity) to do her own banking etc. All utilities bills were on a direct debit so that nothing got missed.
Her biggest problems were executive function - how to make things happen - rather than memory issues. She was still very much on the ball in conversation and everyday news events, but couldn't work, say, the television remote control. However, this fluctuated sometimes hourly, so sometimes she could do something, other times not, with no obvious trigger.
She was referred to the Geriatric Psychiatric Consultant who made the diagnosis of LBD. She was prescribed Exelon patches (Rivastigmine) which she herself reported as making her less "foggy", so that was a success in her case. She then received visits from the Community Psychiatric Nurse who kept track of how things were going. She also by then finally was allocated a Parkinson's Nurse - 7 years without anything other than her own efforts to manage her PD (through private health insurance and a very disinterested GP) before that.
Unfortunately a year after this another fall put her in hospital, and it became obvious that she couldn't return to her home safely. She then developed hospital acquired pneumonia twice, and her brain was damaged even further. She moved very quickly into end-stage PD, and her discharge to the Nursing Home was purely palliative.
This is written very pragmatically as an example of what support there is from outside agencies for handling early stage dementia, to help keep someone in their home, to manage the changes in ability. I haven't really touched on the emotional aspects - she was very aware of her fluctuating loss of abilities. We worked at keeping her world as calm and stress-free as possible, and tackled each new development as it arose. The role of the carer in this situation is a whole area that I haven't even started on! Plus all the other possible things such as special clocks, whiteboards, trackers, CCTV, managing continence etc etc etc....
Everyone's story is different, and how life with PD progresses in its own individual way varies, so I hope this hasn't upset anyone reading it. But I do hope that perhaps someone who is struggling with managing changed behaviours might be able to find help - but unfortunately you do have to make it happen and continuously badger to get that help. It took many calls and everyday ongoing input to keep this working - thus my username!
2 Likes
Thank you, all of you!
I feel so alone sometimes, it is good to know I am not completely so!
Natasha
I feel so alone sometimes, it is good to know I am not completely so!
Natasha
Hi Natasha,
You are not alone, but sadly a member of a rather select club....
What is your story? I have written of my mum's, but as I said there is another whole story to do with the carer, and how they manage to fit in some life of their own around caring.
Unfortunately by the nature of this socialising with the PD person can be difficult, and it is not very easily understood by those outside of the situation; I only found that understanding with others who were also experienced, but then that tends to be the dominating factor. Black humour ends up releasing a lot of tensions!
You are not alone, but sadly a member of a rather select club....
What is your story? I have written of my mum's, but as I said there is another whole story to do with the carer, and how they manage to fit in some life of their own around caring.
Unfortunately by the nature of this socialising with the PD person can be difficult, and it is not very easily understood by those outside of the situation; I only found that understanding with others who were also experienced, but then that tends to be the dominating factor. Black humour ends up releasing a lot of tensions!
Hi there, Natasha.
I'm glad you've got some helpful responses from fellow forum users. Don't forget the helpline is always available too if you feel you require further support/advice or just want a 'listening ear' to talk to in confidence.
Keep well.
Luis
I'm glad you've got some helpful responses from fellow forum users. Don't forget the helpline is always available too if you feel you require further support/advice or just want a 'listening ear' to talk to in confidence.
Keep well.
Luis
Thank you Platespinner, Luis, Worral for opening up to me and offering help.
What I find the hardest sometimes is the lack of communication and exchange of ideas and support from my adorable husband (through no fault of his own of course).
I am married but on my own assuming all the major responsibilities of everyday life. A carer comes for a few hours 3 times a week and I can go shopping for food.
Also, I am the Power of Attorney acting on his behalf but if if I die there is no one to take over. This is at times making me very sad and unsettled as my husband cannot write at all now or speak fluently any longer. I know there are the Social Services but to my shame, I do not trust them after what we witnessed in the Press.
The thought of him going into care makes me shiver.
Natasha
What I find the hardest sometimes is the lack of communication and exchange of ideas and support from my adorable husband (through no fault of his own of course).
I am married but on my own assuming all the major responsibilities of everyday life. A carer comes for a few hours 3 times a week and I can go shopping for food.
Also, I am the Power of Attorney acting on his behalf but if if I die there is no one to take over. This is at times making me very sad and unsettled as my husband cannot write at all now or speak fluently any longer. I know there are the Social Services but to my shame, I do not trust them after what we witnessed in the Press.
The thought of him going into care makes me shiver.
Natasha
Hi Jay,
Sorry I overlooked you (unintentionally).
Only once my husband accused me of having "a lover" next door (in his imagination). They do all sorts of tests before they confirm the diagnosis of dementia. Thank you for your support and I hope your husband does not have that.
The hallucinations could be a side effect of the medications.
Take care!
Natasha
Sorry I overlooked you (unintentionally).
Only once my husband accused me of having "a lover" next door (in his imagination). They do all sorts of tests before they confirm the diagnosis of dementia. Thank you for your support and I hope your husband does not have that.
The hallucinations could be a side effect of the medications.
Take care!
Natasha
Hello Natasha, Was reading your posts and thinking that what we go through as carers related to the person we are caring for is a grieving process, like we are a carer doing a difficult job and then we are also grieving for the person we once knew and who supported us and now although we still love this person it is a different person and ill and vulnerable person, where once they supported us when we felt vulnerable??
We dont help ourselves if we stress about possible futures which may or may not happen. I know I could become completely panic stricken at the thought of mine having to go into care, but have stopped thinking about it and decided that if it comes it will happen if I can no longer carry on.
Its a very lonely road for us from one perspective.
From another perspective we are doing a very good and kind thing. For one human being to care for another when that other is down and vulnerable is true humanity in my view
lots of love Natasha
sunray
We dont help ourselves if we stress about possible futures which may or may not happen. I know I could become completely panic stricken at the thought of mine having to go into care, but have stopped thinking about it and decided that if it comes it will happen if I can no longer carry on.
Its a very lonely road for us from one perspective.
From another perspective we are doing a very good and kind thing. For one human being to care for another when that other is down and vulnerable is true humanity in my view
lots of love Natasha
sunray
1 Like
My life with my husband seems very similar to "Worrals" The only difference is he doesn't talk to the people he sees. I am new to this site...but it good to know I am not alone in this.
Hi,
I was really pleased to find this thread, because my husband was diagnosed with dementia a few months ago, almost 5 years after his initial diagnosis of Parkinson's. He's had lots of tests, and we're now waiting to hear if this is Lewy Body Dementia. Though I'm not sure that it makes a difference as a neurologist told us the treatment is the same.
He's been on the Exelon patches for two months now, and several people have commented that he seems keener and more engaged. Weirdly (or not?), the patches also seem to have eased his PD symptoms a bit, so he's stopped using a walking stick indoors and we've been able to reduce his medication slightly.
It's just like platespinner said, long term memory's not much of a problem, but his executive functions are certainly affected - stuff like logic and planning, also motivation and perseverance - his working (short term) memory is pretty poor, and yes, I've seen him trying to switch off the telly with his mobile, etc.
This is a one-way train, and I just want it to go s-l-o-w-l-y.
All the best,
Marie
I was really pleased to find this thread, because my husband was diagnosed with dementia a few months ago, almost 5 years after his initial diagnosis of Parkinson's. He's had lots of tests, and we're now waiting to hear if this is Lewy Body Dementia. Though I'm not sure that it makes a difference as a neurologist told us the treatment is the same.
He's been on the Exelon patches for two months now, and several people have commented that he seems keener and more engaged. Weirdly (or not?), the patches also seem to have eased his PD symptoms a bit, so he's stopped using a walking stick indoors and we've been able to reduce his medication slightly.
It's just like platespinner said, long term memory's not much of a problem, but his executive functions are certainly affected - stuff like logic and planning, also motivation and perseverance - his working (short term) memory is pretty poor, and yes, I've seen him trying to switch off the telly with his mobile, etc.
This is a one-way train, and I just want it to go s-l-o-w-l-y.
All the best,
Marie