9 Resources for Parkinson's Disease Dementia
Photo by Ian Keefe on Unsplash
Introduction
This post will provide essential resources for Parkinson’s Disease Dementia, a diagnosis that can lead to significant memory loss. As a memory care provider, we occasionally have families come to us without a diagnosis. Many factors may impair a loved one’s memory but receiving a diagnosis helps understand what they may be experiencing and developing a care plan.
If you or your loved one is experiencing memory loss, please schedule an assessment with a neurologist specializing in dementia. At the bottom of this post, we have provided contact information for neurologists in the Greater Orlando area specializing in Parkinson’s Disease and dementia.
Why is Learning About Parkinson’s Disease Dementia Important?
If your loved one is diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease Dementia, it is vital to learn as much about it as possible because it will help you find the right care for your loved one. When families come to us with a neurologist or doctor’s diagnosis, it helps us better understand what your loved one may be experiencing. We can then work with their doctor and medical professionals to design a custom care plan to manage the disease.
9 Resources for Parkinson’s Disease Dementia
#1 - It’s a Neurodegenerative Disease
According to the Mayo Clinic, “Parkinson's disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement. Symptoms start gradually, sometimes starting with a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand. Tremors are common, but the disorder also commonly causes stiffness or slowing of movement.
In the early stages of Parkinson's disease, your face may show little or no expression. Your arms may not swing when you walk. Your speech may become soft or slurred. Parkinson's disease symptoms worsen as your condition progresses over time.”
“You may experience cognitive problems (dementia) and thinking difficulties. These usually occur in the later stages of Parkinson’s disease. Such cognitive problems aren’t very responsive to medications.”
#2 - The Search for Treatment
In 1991, actor Michael J. Fox brought a lot of awareness to Parkinson’s Disease when he disclosed he had the disease. Since then, he has contributed tremendous energy and resources to search for treatments through his foundation, The Michael J. Fox Foundation.
#3 - Alpha-Synuclein Protein Deposits
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, “The key brain changes linked to Parkinson’s disease and Parkinson’s disease dementia are abnormal microscopic deposits composed chiefly of alpha-synuclein, a protein found widely in the brain with a normal function not yet known. The deposits are called “Lewy bodies” after Frederick H. Lewy, M.D., the neurologist who discovered them while working in Dr. Alois Alzheimer’s laboratory during the early 1900s.
“Lewy bodies are also found in several other brain disorders, including Lewy body dementia (LBD). ”
Evidence suggests that Lewy body dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease dementia may be linked to the same underlying abnormalities in the brain processing of alpha-synuclein. Another complicating factor is that many people with both Lewy body dementia and Parkinson’s disease dementia also have plaques and tangles — hallmark brain changes linked to Alzheimer's disease.”
Read our quick overview post on Lewy Body Dementia and our post on Lewy Body Dementia support groups in the Greater Orlando area.
#4 - Most Common in Older Men
According to Johns Hopkins University, “Parkinson’s disease is most common in people who are older than 50. The average age at which it occurs is 60. But some younger people may also get Parkinson’s disease. When it affects someone younger than age 50, it's called early-onset Parkinson disease. You may be more likely to get early-onset Parkinson’s disease if someone in your family has it. The older you are, the greater your risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. It's also much more common in men than in women.”
#5 - Dementia and Hallucinations
According to the UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, “Up to 80% of people with PD eventually develop dementia. The average time from onset of movement problems to the development of dementia is about 10 years.”
UCSF also notes, “It may not be necessary to treat all hallucinations of a person with PDD. Hallucinations are often harmless, and it is okay to allow them to happen, as long as they are not disruptive or upsetting to the person or surroundings. Sometimes, recognizing the hallucination and then switching the topic might be an efficient way of handling frustrations that occur because of a hallucination. If hallucinations need medical treatment, your provider may be able to discuss and suggest some options. However, many of the medications used to treat hallucinations may make movement symptoms worse.”
“It may not be necessary to treat all hallucinations of a person with PDD. Hallucinations are often harmless, and it is okay to allow them to happen, as long as they are not disruptive or upsetting to the person or surroundings.”
#6 - Calm, Simple, Routine
National Parkinson Foundation tips for caregivers:
“People with dementia are more like to become acutely confused after any operation. Watch out for sensitivity to medication.”
“Stick to a routine or a structured schedule.”
“Simplify the décor of the living area to help with distractibility or confusion.”
“Use a nightlight to reduce visual misperceptions at night.”
“Keep calm and still while talking with your loved one.”
“Demonstrate your care and affection for the person with dementia.”
“Keep in mind that paranoid attacks and false accusations are a product of the disease, not your loved one.”
“Simplify the décor of the living area to help with distractibility or confusion.”
#7 - Movement, Soft Foods, Safety
Dementia Care Central recommendations for caregivers:
“Look into aids for people with Parkinson’s. There are special pens, weighted utensils, key turners, no-spill cups, canes, and more that will help maintain some independence as symptoms worsen.
“Any physical exercise, even something as simple as standing and sitting regularly, is a good idea to promote brain health.”
“Serve softer food, like blended nutritious smoothies, as swallowing becomes difficult. Avoid food with crumbs that might get caught in the throat.”
“Inspect the home for safety issues, and install grab bars and handrails in the bathroom and wherever else they might be necessary. People with Parkinson’s are prone to falls, especially after dementia sets in.”
“There are special pens, weighted utensils, key turners, no-spill cups, canes, and more that will help maintain some independence as symptoms worsen.”
#8 - Journal, Diary, Record
“If you’re aware of increasing symptoms of Parkinson’s disease dementia, start a diary and record what you’re experiencing. Note when symptoms occur, how long they last, and if medicine helped.
If you’re caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s disease, keep a journal for them. Record the symptoms they experience, how often they occur, and any other relevant information. Present this journal to your neurologist at your next appointment to see if the symptoms are related to Parkinson’s disease dementia or possibly another condition.”
#9 - Neurologists in Greater Orlando
Neurologists specializing in Parkinson’s Disease, dementia, and neurodegenerative disorders in the Greater Orlando area. You can click their name to view their profile on Healthgrades.
Closing
In closing, we hope this post gave you further resources to learn more about Parkinson’s Disease Dementia. When a loved one is experiencing memory loss, it is difficult for everyone. We encourage learning as much as you can about the diagnosis to understand better your loved one or those who have the disease are experiencing it. It helps us to empathize, be better caregivers, and find the most appropriate care.
If you found this post helpful, please consider sharing it on social media: https://vivantseniorliving.com/blog/9-resources-for-parkinsons-disease-dementia
Vivant Senior Living provides exceptional memory care services in vibrant, residential homes for seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia in Central Florida. Contact us to schedule a home tour or discuss memory care options.