I disagree with absolutes on medications. Every person on this board has a different chemical makeup. To read that "Levodopa/Carbidopa & other drugs for PD do not ork for Atypical Parkinsons". My husband was diagnosed in February 2009 with Atypical PD with LBD with his neurologist and a DatScan. He was provided Levodopa Carbidopa and continues this regimen and continues with a neurologist. I am happy for those who go without meds in are happy with their regimen. But to speak in absolutes does a disservice to all who look for experience, truth and hope from this board. We know far more about what we don't know about these Atypical Parkinsons diseases than what we know.

I have just been diagnosed with Vascular Parkinsonism with symptoms of gait, balance, swallowing and breathing problems amongst others. I am primary carer for my 68 year old wife who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s last September. She was prescribed with 5mg Donepezil which was increased to 10mg after 2 months. Within a few weeks of 10mg the vision in my wife's right eye became distorted. Retina detachment was diagnosed and after a short Web search, I found a direct connection between retina detachment and the increase of Donepezil dose from 5mg to 10mg after just a few weeks. I immediately stopped my wife's Donepezil. I have reported Donepezil side effects to the Yellow Card Scheme stating my concerns about the retina detachment. Due to my various cardiac problems over the last few years with incorrect diagnosis, I have decided on a more natural health maintenance routine for myself and my wife which is definitely working for me, and hopefully will work for my wife. My mini bio gives a background to my decision. In my opinion Donepezil is bad news.

Donepezil is used for Cognitive issues. It is not unusual in Atypical PD with LBD for the patient to have cognitive deficits in addition to anxiety and depression.

I also have Atypical Parinson's in the form of Shy Drager. Carbidopa/Levodopa does not help at all. Haven't really found anything that helps. Take Pamipexole Dihydo tabs 1mg(generic for Mirapex)to help with restless legs and leg cramps, Donepezil Hcl tabs 10 to help with memory,and TizandineHcl 2 mg (generic for Zanflex Tabs to try and help me sleep at night. Some days they help, but mostly do not. Keep taking for the days I do get relief.

I will not take any more drugs from medical "professionals". Most if them are in it for profit, but not at my expense. I have a healthy regime that I believe in, and it works.