What should you expect after being diagnosed with Parkinson's and dementia?
It's completely normal to feel overwhelmed right now. Many people experience a range of emotions including fear, confusion, and worry about the unknown. What you're feeling is valid, and you don't need to figure everything out at once.
Symptom Show Full Answer
What should you expect after being diagnosed with Parkinson's and dementia?
It's completely normal to feel overwhelmed right now. Many people experience a range of emotions including fear, confusion, and worry about the unknown. What you're feeling is valid, and you don't need to figure everything out at once.
Symptom Changes You Might Notice:
Parkinson's disease dementia can cause symptoms that vary from day to day or even hour to hour:
- Memory problems and difficulty with thinking
- Visual hallucinations (seeing things that aren't there)
- Delusions or paranoid thinking
- Mood swings, depression, or anxiety
- Changes in appetite
- Loss of motivation or apathy
Medical Management:
Your healthcare team will likely adjust your treatment plan. While there's no cure for Parkinson's disease dementia, medications can help manage specific symptoms like hallucinations, mood changes, and anxiety. Your doctor may also adjust dosages of your current Parkinson's medications, as some can affect dementia symptoms.
Practical Steps Forward:
Consider working with a neurologist who specializes in Parkinson's disease. They can help find the right combination of treatments to keep you comfortable. Speech therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy may also help with communication and mood symptoms.
It's important to plan ahead legally and financially. Meeting with an elder care lawyer to protect your assets and establish advance directives can provide peace of mind and clarity for the future.
Take things one step at a time, and remember that support is available.
April 20
Join
Your Privacy Choices
