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Friday, March 15, 2024
HomeSide EffectsCan Parkinson's Dementia Be Reversed

Can Parkinson’s Dementia Be Reversed



There Are Many Different Dementia Typesalzheimers Disease Lewy Body Dementia Vascular Dementia Its Easier To Keep Them Straight If You Think About Dementia Thats Reversible And Dementia That Isnt

Can Alzheimer

Susan Jimison Vitek

There are many different dementia types, some that can be reversed.

Various dementia types can be caused by medical or psychiatric conditions, among them high fever, vitamin deficiency, head trauma, or depression. These are the so-called “reversible dementias.” Other dementia types are irreversible and—if you’re wondering, “Is dementia hereditary?“—can be caused by family genes.

Let’s look at reversible dementia first. It’s important to see a doctor if you’re experiencing sudden memory-loss symptoms, especially if your health has recently changed.

The following are among the more common causes of reversible dementia:

  • Excess alcohol consumption
  • Vitamin deficiency

Remission Of Cognitive Deficits In Parkinsons Disease: Recovery From A Nonamnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment Or Psychiatric Symptoms Remission Jonas Jardim de Paula

1Laboratório de Investigações Neuropsicológicas , Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil

2INCT de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Alfredo Balena 190, 30130-100 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil

3Instituto Jenny de Andrade Faria de Atenção à Saúde do Idoso, Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil

4Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil

5Departamento de Saúde Mental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil

Academic Editor:

Abstract

1. Introduction

The concept of mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease refers to a cognitive disorder where the subject shows an objective impairment in one or more cognitive domains and lack of or only mild functional impairment . Due to the absence of uniformity in diagnostic criteria, there is little agreement in the literature on what subtype of MCI is the most frequent in Parkinson’s disease.

2. Case Description and Clinical Exam

Measure

 

3. Neuropsychological Assessment

3.1. Cognitive Status and Global Measures

The Dementia Rating Scale total score was chosen for global cognitive screening, since this test was well suited for the diagnosis of cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease .

3.2. Episodic Memory
3.3. Language

  

Memory Impaired Care At Royal Suites Healthcare And Rehabilitation Galloway Township Nj

If your loved one is suffering from dementia and memory loss, the Royal Suites Healthcare and Rehabilitation in Galloway Township, New Jersey has a state-of-the-art memory impaired care unit with unique therapeutic treatments like the Snoezellen Room. To read more about memory impaired care at Royal Suites, see our blog post from May 29, 2018.

How Exactly Is Lewy Body Dementia Related To Alzheimers Disease And Parkinsons Disease

Lewy body dementia is a broad, general term for dementia in which lewy bodies are present in the brain. Dementia with lewy bodies and Parkinson’s disease dementia are two related clinical disorders that make up the general broader category of Lewy body dementia. Sometimes LBD is first diagnosed as Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s disease based on its symptoms.

  • Parkinson’s disease dementia : You might be diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease if you start out with a movement disorder typical to Parkinson’s but then have your diagnosis changed to PDD when dementia symptoms develop.
  • Alzheimer’s disease : You might start out with memory or cognitive disorder that leads to a diagnosis of AD. Over time, other distinctive symptoms begin to appear and your diagnosis is then changed to dementia with lewy bodies. Distinctive symptoms of LBD include the changes in attention, alertness and cognitive ability; changes in walking and movement; visual hallucinations; REM sleep behavior disorder and severe sensitivity to some antipsychotics used to treat hallucinations.

What Complications Are Associated With Medications Used To Treat Lewy Body Dementia

Other medications, like antidepressants or sedative antihistamines, may increase confusion in people with LBD.

What Is The Difference Between Lewy Body Dementia And Parkinsons Disease Dementia

How Can A Person Diagnosed With Lewy Body Dementia Live The Best Life Possible

Use music and aromatherapy to reduce anxiety and improve mood.

Comparing Trajectories And Conceptualization Of Palliative Care For Dementia And Pd

Stop Alzheimer

The two disease trajectories may overlap partly as dementia is a frequent manifestation of PD. Mild cognitive impairment may already present upon diagnosis of PD . Importantly, it is independently associated with lower quality of life . Across studies, typically about a quarter of patients with PD have dementia , but ultimately, most develop dementia .

A clear conceptualization of palliative care in chronic-progressive diseases is important for the development of healthcare systems that facilitate the integration of a palliative approach . Therefore, in this article we compare the disease trajectories of dementia and PD in as far as relevant for the conceptualizations of palliative care. We do not include atypical Parkinsonian disorders such as multiple system atrophy because these warrant a special approach with earlier palliative care . We first provide background on where we are by describing how palliative care for dementia and PD developed.

Natural Remedies And Treatments For Parkinsons Disease That Get Powerful Results

To successfully treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s, andeven reverse this disorder, there are 4 things you must do…

a)  Increase your natural dopamine levels 

b)  Detox your body of all heavy metals andpollutants 

c)  Reduce all inflammation in the body,especially the brain

d) Repair the neuro pathways 

These 10 natural treatments and remedies do all four. Solet’s not waste any more time then. Here they are in order of importance…

New Treatment May Have The Potential To Slow Stop Or Reverse Parkinson Disease Wallace Stephens

Results from a recent study suggest that a revolutionary treatment may have the potential to slow, stop, or even reverse the progression of Parkinson disease.

Results from a February study of a revolutionary treatment suggest that it may be possible to slow, stop, or even reverse the progression of Parkinson disease, according to findings in the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease.

The 3-part, experimental study investigated whether using a novel delivery system to increase levels of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor can regenerate dying dopamine brain cells in patients with Parkinson disease and even reverse their condition. GDNF is a naturally occurring protein that promotes the survival of many types of neurons.

“I believe that this approach could be the first neuro-restorative treatment for people living with Parkinson’s, which is, of course, an extremely exciting prospect,” Steven Gill, MB, MS, FRCS, who designed the infusion device used in the study, said in a statement.

Initially, 6 patients enrolled in a pilot study which evaluated the safety of the treatment approach. After the pilot study, 35 additional individuals participated in a subsequent 9-month double-blind trial. Half of the participants were randomly assigned to receive monthly infusions of GDNF while the other half received placebos.

Reference

What Can I Expect If I Or My Loved One Have A Diagnosis Of Lewy Body Dementia

Each person’s experience with Lewy body dementia is unique to them. How slowly or quickly the disease progresses is impossible to know, but may be influenced by your general health and any existing diseases you may have. Because LBD is a progressive disease, difficulties with mind and body functions get worse over time. Currently, there is no known way to stop the progression of the disease. After diagnosis, most people with LBD live between five and seven years. Some people with LBD live up to 20 years after their diagnosis.

However, there’s always hope. Research on LBD, dementia with lewy bodies, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease with dementia are ongoing. New medications are being developed and new approaches to treatment are being investigated.

Difference Between Parkinsons Disease Dementia And Dementia With Lewy Bodies

Technically, the difference between these two conditions lies in how quickly the cognitive difficulties and hallucinations develop in relation to the movement issues. In DLB, the cognitive difficulties and hallucinations develop much sooner in the disease course than in PDD, sometimes even prior to the movement difficulties. Because of the similarities between PD, PDD, and DLB, current thinking in the medical community is that they should be viewed as related diseases which fall along a continuum of Lewy body disorders.

Treatments For Parkinsons Disease Dementia And Dementia With Lewy Bodies

Claim Application

Dementia Can Be Treated Through Medication But Its Progression Will Continue

Dementia and Parkinson

Some of the problems caused by dementia are treatable, but there are no medications that slow the progression of this problem, just as there are no treatments that slow the progression of the rest of the Parkinson’s Disease syndrome. We often use the same medications that are used in Alzheimer’s disease to improve concentration and memory, although only one, rivastigmine, has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for dementia in PD. Most experts believe that each of the Alzheimer drugs are about as useful in dementia in Parkinson’s Disease as they are in Alzheimer’s, which, unfortunately, is not great. As with all medications used in PD, whether for slowness, stiffness, tremor, depression or sleep disorders, if the medication is not helpful, one should either try a higher dose or stop it. Since the drugs used to treat dementia take several weeks to work, and the dose often requires increases, the family needs to allow a reasonable time period, usually around two months, to decide if it is helpful or not. Obviously this needs to be discussed with the prescribing doctor.

There is a lot of research being done to better understand and better treat dementia in PD.

Naturaltreatment For Parkinsons #9 Exercise And Other Alternative Therapies:

Regular exercise has been shown to help Parkinson’ssufferers by reducing muscle stiffness, increasing mobility, and enhancing postureand balance. Exercise also increases oxygen levels and neurotransmitters, alongwith releasing potent “mood elevating” chemicals called endorphins.

The type of exercise performed for PD is crucial. Aqua orwater aerobics can be particularly useful as traditional exercise is usuallyquite difficult for many Parkinson’s sufferers. Muscle decline, loss of strength,stiffness and loss of balance can make conventional exercises difficult toperform. The great thing about aqua aerobics is it still has the same benefits as other exercise regimens,but the risk of falling is eliminated.

Other types of exercises that can be beneficial for PDsufferers include Tai Chi, Yoga, dancing, walking, aerobic/jazzercise classes,and general stretching.

For more information on the different exercise programsavailable for Parkinson’s patients, you can check out this website…  Exercise and Physical Therapy for Parkinson’sDisease

Dementia That Can Be Reversed Is Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus

Brain Shunt

There is a kind of dementia called idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus that can resemble Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s, but is curable. Whereas, there is no cure for either Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease, iNPH can be reversed. The problem is that because the symptoms so closely resemble both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, iNPH is often misdiagnosed as one of them. This is a real tragedy because iNPH can be treated and the dementia can be reversed up to 80%. As if this is not complicated enough, there are cases where a person can have both iNPH and Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s and this mixed type also does not get properly diagnosed or treated.

Parkinsons Disease Treatment: A Fruity Compound May Reverse Brain Damage WhatsApp

Health experts suggest eating a healthy and balanced diet to prevent the risk factors of Parkinson’s disease. It is a long-term brain disorder that affects the everyday life of a person and the symptoms worsen over time. However, the latest study shows that a compound found in herbs and fruits can help prevent and even reverse the brain damage for Parkinson’s disease treatment. 

The name of the compound is farnesol which is available naturally in different berries, fruits, and herbs. This compound is used in perfumes and as a flavoring agent. According to this latest research, this compound can also help prevent the loss of dopamine-producing neurons of the brain. It deactivates the protein called PARIS, a significant protein that causes the progression of this disease. Hence, it can assist in its prevention and Parkinson’s disease treatment. 

Also read- Man Suffered a Stroke After Masturbation

The researchers conducted this study using lab mice and observed the effect of farnesol on brain function. They published the findings of this study in the journal Science Translational Medicine.

According to the researchers, the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain affects the cognition and movement of a person. It can lead to other symptoms of this disease as well including dementia, rigidity, confusion, and tremors. The ability of the compound, farnesol to block the protein PARIS can help in the development of interventions that target this specific protein.

Natural Treatment For Parkinsons #3 Turmeric And Otherherbs And Spices:

Can Dementia and Memory Loss Be Reversed With a Diet Change?

A recent study published in the journal Stem Cell Research & Therapy, foundthat the extracts in turmeric, particularly curcumin and the newly discovered Ar-turmerone,can regenerate “a damaged brain” and reverse neurological disorders.  Researchers said Ar-turmerone is “a promising candidate to supportregeneration in neurologic disease.” Michigan State University researcherBasir Ahmad also found that a compound in turmeric may help fight Parkinson’sdisease by disrupting the proteins responsible for the disease.

Another study published in the Pharmacognosy Magazine found that tumeric can prevent and evenreverse the toxic effects exerted on the brain from fluoride exposure. Fluorideis a nasty and dangerous heavy metal that destroys brain cells and the intricateworkings of the central nervous system. Fluoride poisoning has also beenimplicated in the development of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s,Parkinson’s, ALS and multiple sclerosis. 7

Turmeric is also a very potent anti-inflammatory spice. Because Parkinson’s is aninflammation type disease, turmeric will help immensely. A heaped teaspoon ofhigh quality turmeric powder taken 3 times daily in asmoothie will do the trick. Just make sure you combine it with 10-12 blackpeppercorns for enhanced absorption Turmeric is also fat soluble so you’ll need tocombine it with some coconut oil, red palm oil or fish/krill oil as well.

What Are Parkinson’s Disease Dementia Medical Treatment And Medications

There is no specific therapy for dementia in Parkinson’s disease. Although cognitive symptoms initially may appear to respond to drugs that promote dopamine production, the improvement is mild and transient in contrast to the early responses to motor control improvement with medication in patients with Parkinson’s disease.

Parkinson’s disease dementia medications

Various medications are used to treat the movement disorders of Parkinson’s disease, some may exacerbate symptoms related to dementia.

  • These include dopamine given in the form of levodopa; medications known as dopamine agonists that act on the dopamine receptor; and medications that slow down the metabolism of dopamine. They are often used in conjunction with monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as rasagiline. In addition, anticholinergic drugs are sometimes used.
  • Unfortunately, these drugs may affect cognitive symptoms and mood disorders.
  • The anticholinergic drugs, for example, help balance levels of dopamine and acetylcholine, another neurotransmitter, in the brain. These drugs can improve movement disorders but often make memory loss worse.

The dementia of Parkinson’s disease may respond to drugs used in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. However, these drugs, called cholinesterase inhibitors , lead to only small and temporary improvements in cognition.

Mood disorders and psychoses are usually treated with other medication.

How Is Parkinsons Disease Dementia Different From Alzheimers Disease

Parkinson’s disease Dementia must not be confused with Alzheimer’s disease. Dementia is a hallmark feature of Alzheimer’s whereas a patient may not necessarily contract Dementia if he happens to contract Parkinson’s. Having mentioned that, Dementia does have a greater social and occupational impact on the functioning of people when it affects someone with Parkinson’s as compared to Alzheimer’s.

This is due to the combination of motor and cognitive impairments. Parkinson’s directly affects problem-solving functions in a person, besides other aspects such as the speed of thinking, memory, and mood. Parkinson’s Dementia Aggression can also be related to Lewy bodies, where sticky clumps of protein are found in the nerve cells of people diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

Finally, it must be known to all those associated with Parkinson’s in any capacity, whether be it a patient or a caregiver, that majority of people with Parkinson’s may experience some of the other forms of cognitive impairment over time. Though cases vary from person to person, the development of Dementia in those diagnosed with Parkinson’s cannot be predicted. To put it in numbers, 30 percent of people with Parkinson’s never develop dementia as a part of their progression.

Could You Possibly Do The Same And Reverse Your Parkinson’s Disease

I am not a doctor, nor have I ever had any medical training!I am merely a Parkinson’s Patient, who has had the good fortune to have been able to reverse many of his movement symptoms!

YES! You possibly can… and I urge you to follow this path!

  • The unique lifestyle modification protocol I use.
  • The unique Brain exercises I use.
  • The exact physical exercises I use, to reverse my Parkinson’s.
  • How you will see life, when you start to feel better, and why it is important to exercise.
  • The special dietary advice I follow .
  • The knowledge of the silent killer, that you might not even be aware of.
  • How to improve your sleep, and in the process, have more energy.
  • How to focus your mind, and take back control of your movements.
  • What type of Parkinson’s medication is capable of slowing down the progression of your PD, and what types aren’t.

I am going to urge you again. These are the exact steps that I, John Pepper, and countless others, have followed to successfully reverse Parkinson’s disease.In all my research, which spans well over the last 20 years, and hundreds of hours of my own time – not even mentioning the countless hours other experts have put in – I have found this to be the only way I know of to successfully reverse Parkinson’s disease.

I offer every one of you the exact Blueprint, that I have followed, for Reversing my Parkinson’s disease.

Dementia In Elderly: Irreversible And Reversible Causes Of Dementia

There

Dementia is an umbrella term for memory loss, but there are actually many different types of dementia. For example, it can be vascular dementia or frontotemporal dementia. But, dementia can also be reversible or irreversible.

Reversible dementia refers to types of dementia that can be partially or completely cured through treatment and proper management by targeting the underlying cause. Irreversible dementia is brought on by an incurable cause, so as it progresses the patient’s ability to care for themselves becomes largely diminished.

Can We Reverse Parkinsons Disease And Dementia With A Cancer Drug

At a recent Society for Neuroscience meeting, researchers reported that during a pilot study for a drug used to treat leukemia, 11 out of 12 patients who were given a small dose had improvement in mental function and movement. For several of the patients, improvements were dramatic.

“After 25 years in Parkinson’s disease research, this is the most excited I’ve ever been” says Fernando Pagan, director of the Movement Disorders Program at Georgetown University Medical Center. Learn more about the study here >>http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/10/17/448323916/can-a-cancer-drug-reverse-parkinsons-disease-and-dementia

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File A Paraquat Claim With The Help Of Our Resourceful Legal Team

Our law firm specializes in toxic exposure and has the necessary knowledge and resources to help your family member who struggles with Parkinson’s disease as a result of paraquat exposure recover the financial compensation they are eligible for. With over 25 years of experience in pursuing compensation for the victims of toxic exposure, we will thoroughly assess your situation and gather pertinent evidence to support your paraquat claim. Although the legal process is quite complex, it will require minimal involvement on your part, as you will only have to provide our legal experts with proof of paraquat exposure and evidence of the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. The involvement of a family member is crucial, as people with Parkinson’s disease often have a difficult time clearly explaining their situation.

Parkinsons Disease With Dementia Versus Dementia With Lewy Bodies

The Difference Between Parkinson’s Disease And Lewy Body Dementia

Hopefully this video will help you to gain a more complete understanding of the differences between Parkinson’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease Dementia and Lewy Body Dementia.

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Treatment Of Behavior And Mood Problems In Lewy Body Dementia

Medications are appropriate if the behavior interferes with the person’s care or the safety of the person or others. If medication is used, then the lowest possible dose for the shortest period of time is recommended.

Natural Treatment For Parkinsons #1 Cannabis/medicalmarijuana:

Cannabis, aka medical marijuana, is an incredibletreatment for Parkinson’s disease. You can have a Parkinson’s patient shakingviolently and uncontrollably, and yet within 30-40 minutes of self-administering with some cannabis, their symptoms will almost completely disappear. Watch this short 2minute video from Parkinson’s sufferer, Ian Frizell, who shows you what he waslike before self-medicating with cannabis and then again after. The change is truly astonishing! 

.

Taylor French is another Parkinson’s patient thatundergoes a remarkable transformation once he ingests what he calls “nutritional vegetable extract” . This guy has an advanced form ofParkinson’s and is normally confined to a wheelchair with limited use of hisbody due to stiff and rigid muscles . But after ingestingsome cannabis he’s able to walk, and incredibly, in his video he even getsinto his car and drives off down the road!

You can view it here…

Elyse Del Francia also tells the story of her Parkinson’ssuffering husband, and the time she decided to smother his morning pancakes withsome canabutter. She said…

“Within45 minutes of eating a pancake with marijuana on it, he stopped shaking. Thatwas my lightbulb moment. That’s when I knew that I was onto something thatwould relieve his pain and suffering, because it’s horrible, horrible, to haveParkinson’s Disease and not have any relief. I feel that this is something thathelps so many people in so many ways with pain and suffering.” 5

Treatment Of Behavior And Mood Problems In Lewy Body Dementia

Can Using Apps Slow Or Reverse Dementia Symptoms?

Behavioral and mood problems in people with LBD can arise from hallucinations, delusions, pain, illness, stress, or anxiety. They may also be the result of frustration, fear, or feeling overwhelmed. The person may resist care or lash out verbally or physically.

Medications are appropriate if the behavior interferes with the person’s care or the safety of the person or others. If medication is used, then the lowest possible dose for the shortest period of time is recommended.

The first step is to visit a doctor to see if a medical condition unrelated to LBD is causing the problem. Injuries, fever, urinary tract or pulmonary infections, pressure ulcers , and constipation can worsen behavioral problems and increase confusion.

Certain medications, such as anticholinergics and antihistamines may also cause behavioral problems. For example, some medications for sleep problems, pain, bladder control, and LBD-related movement symptoms can cause confusion, agitation, hallucinations, and delusions. Similarly, some anti-anxiety medicines can actually increase anxiety in people with LBD. Review your medications with your doctor to determine if any changes are needed.

Antidepressants can be used to treat depression and anxiety, which are common in LBD. Many of them are often well tolerated by people with LBD.

Diagnosis: Parkinson’s Dementia Or Dementia With Lewy Bodies

During assessment, a specialist may look at when the dementia symptoms first appeared before reaching a diagnosis of Parkinson’s dementia or dementia with Lewy bodies. 

If there have been motor symptoms for at least one year before dementia symptoms occur, specialists will often give a diagnosis of Parkinson’s dementia.

If dementia symptoms occur before or at the same time as motor symptoms, specialists will usually give a diagnosis of dementia with Lewy bodies.

However, it should be noted that in some cases of dementia with Lewy bodies, no motor symptoms develop at all.

There’s no single test – diagnosis is made through several different assessments, usually starting with an appointment with your GP or Parkinson’s nurse.

Some people find it helps to go to the appointment with someone who knows them well, who can give the GP or Parkinson’s nurse information about changes they’ve noticed.

Your GP can discuss your symptoms with you and carry out a physical examination, including blood and urine tests, to rule out other potential causes of the symptoms . 

Your GP may also review your medication, in case your symptoms are side effects.

If your GP thinks you have dementia, they can refer you to a specialist, such as a neurologist, psychiatrist or geriatrician.

You might be referred to a memory clinic or memory service. In some areas of the country, you can refer yourself to these services.

But if you feel you need to see the specialist again, you can ask to be referred back.  

Dementia Progresses At Different Rates For Different People

Dementia is, unfortunately, progressive but, like the motor features of MD, progresses at very different rates in different people. It not only causes poor memory and thinking, but also is frequently associated with depression, sleep disorders, loss of motivation, loss of interest and pleasure in activities that had previously enriched or even defined their life. Patients with dementia are often apathetic, showing reduced happiness and unhappiness. They are more likely to develop problems with sleeping too much or developing challenging sleep habits brings with it an increased sensitivity to the side effects of all the drugs used in treating Parkinson’s Disease itself. People with dementia are more likely to develop hallucinations or confusion. Therefore the motor problems of Parkinson’s Disease cannot be treated as aggressively in a patient with dementia as compared to the patient without dementia.

Dementia does not kill people. It is not a death sentence. It is true that dementia is associated with a reduced life expectancy, but this is likely due to the greater difficulty involved in treating the motor problems of PD. As noted above, this is because of the increased likelihood of drug side effects in patients with dementia. Unfortunately, more bad things happen to people with dementia. They may forget to use their cane or walker, increasing the risk of falls. They may take their medications unreliably or incorrectly or ignore warning signs of other medical problems.

It Is The Disease Making These Accusations Not My Loved One

It is not an easy concept to internalize, but it is essential to your emotional wellbeing. Often, the quality of your relationship with your loved one prior to the onset of Parkinson’s will impact your willingness to accept this reality.

We all attribute reasons for people’s actions to experiences with them in the past. If you had a loving marriage for 30 years before your husband showed signs of dementia, it might not take that long for you to realize the disease is the cause of his confusion and outbursts. On the other hand, if you hadn’t spoken to your mother for many years before you became her caregiver, her paranoia and negativity might reopen old wounds and make caring for her even more complicated and trying. Accusations of adultery, theft and trying to murder the patient are extremely painful when you are making sacrifices to provide care. Each situation is unique, and not everyone will encounter these scenarios. But if they do occur, remind yourself that it is the disease talking. See the videos on Thinking Changes for more information.

What Is Needed For A Parkinson’s Disease Dementia Diagnosis

Cancer drug can reverse Parkinson

There is no definitive medical test that confirms cognitive decline or dementia in Parkinson’s disease. The most accurate way to measure cognitive decline is through neuropsychological testing.

  • The testing involves answering questions and performing tasks that have been carefully designed for this purpose. It is carried out by a specialist in this kind of testing.
  • Neuropsychological testing addresses the individual’s appearance, mood, anxiety level, and experience of delusions or hallucinations.
  • It assesses cognitive abilities such as memory, attention, orientation to time and place, use of language, and abilities to carry out various tasks and follow instructions.
  • Reasoning, abstract thinking, and problem solving are tested.
  • Neuropsychological testing gives a more accurate diagnosis of the problems and thus can help in treatment planning.
  • The tests are repeated periodically to see how well treatment is working and check for new problems.

Imaging studies: Generally, brain scans such as CT scan and MRI are of little use in diagnosing dementia in people with Parkinson’s disease. Positron emission tomographic scan may help distinguish dementia from depression and similar conditions in Parkinson’s disease.

Diagnosis: Parkinsons Dementia Or Dementia With Lewy Bodies

During assessment, a specialist may look at when the dementia symptoms first appeared before reaching a diagnosis of Parkinson’s dementia or dementia with Lewy bodies. 

If there have been motor symptoms for at least one year before dementia symptoms occur, specialists will often give a diagnosis of Parkinson’s dementia.

If dementia symptoms occur before or at the same time as motor symptoms, specialists will usually give a diagnosis of dementia with Lewy bodies.

However, it should be noted that in some cases of dementia with Lewy bodies, no motor symptoms develop at all.

There’s no single test – diagnosis is made through several different assessments, usually starting with an appointment with your GP or Parkinson’s nurse.

Some people find it helps to go to the appointment with someone who knows them well, who can give the GP or Parkinson’s nurse information about changes they’ve noticed.

Your GP can discuss your symptoms with you and carry out a physical examination, including blood and urine tests, to rule out other potential causes of the symptoms . 

Your GP may also review your medication, in case your symptoms are side effects.

If your GP thinks you have dementia, they can refer you to a specialist, such as a neurologist, psychiatrist or geriatrician.

You might be referred to a memory clinic or memory service. In some areas of the country, you can refer yourself to these services.

But if you feel you need to see the specialist again, you can ask to be referred back.  

 


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