Hi new to the group, My dad has had Parkinson for about 10/11 years so is now in the complex stages, the neurologist did a home visit a while ago, since then he has really gone down hill, He went to the memory clinic last week, everyone keeps saying he has onset dementia, but said as cognative degenaration or words similar, I cant see this dementia in him, is it the same as people with dementia or is it different if so how? Also when I visit my dad might be walking around normally then he suddenly freezes, or starts walking around on tippy toes as he starts to go off, is that normal? He also gets very obsessive behaviour starting jobs like changing the light switch then has a melt down and cant finish it and refusing to get someone in so they have no lighting, until he can be persauded to let someone finish it. He goes up step ladders to do jobs wont listen to reason about how he might fall. They have tried the rivastigmine patches but apparently these made him start ranting and raving accusing his wife of plotting against him, refusing meds, so they no longer use them and he is ok again, He does get very frustated about it all. I have been reading up on Dementia but it doesnt seem to relate to my dad, can anyone tell me where I can get some information or a good book on Parkinsons with dementia. His speach is not good and he spends a fair bit of time in bed, he has spells of completely losing his mobililty, so they now have a wheel chair in the house and are awaiting an Adjo / sarah steady to move hime from chair to wheelchair/bed . Any advise would be welcome. It is so odd seeing him seemingly ok then a sudden change to immobilty /wheelchair, have tried to write it as briefly as I can, many thanks
Hi Shyla,
Welcome to our community forum. We’re sorry to hear your dad is experiencing some difficult times of late. Dementia can be a part of Parkinson’s, though not everyone with Parkinson’s has it as a symptom. We would direct you to our website for more information, like this section: Thinking and memory changes | Parkinson's UK. And of course if you use the search bar you will find loads of other results, including archived forum discussions on the subject.
And if you would prefer to speak with a Parkinson’s advisor directly, feel welcome to reach out to our free and confidential helpline on 0808 800 0303. They have a range of services they can offer, and they’re happy to answer your questions. These are friendly people with resources to provide that may surprise you.
We hope, along with our community’s feedback, that these tools can serve you well.
With our warmest welcome,
Jason
Forum Moderator