Parkinson's Disease

[ama45]

My Father was diagnosed this past week with Parkinson's disease.
Although it has been obvious to me that he had'nt been 'himself' for the last two years at least, it was still upsetting and unnerving to hear this news. My Father lives on his own, his wife died in 2005, he has suffered prostrate cancer in the last 18 months and this blow seems to have shaken him to the core. I live some distance from him, a four hour journey in fact, the practicalities of 'popping' round to check on him are quite obviously out of the question. I phone him every week but now I feel he needs a caregiver. Is this an assumtion? My Father drives, or did, quite often, but I feel his ability to do this may soon be a distant memory. His short term memory is quite poor, his gait, balance and vision all seem to have dramatically deminished. He has tremors on occasion, he has difficulty swallowing, digesting and suffers with constipation. It's so painful to watch a man who was so physically, mentally and emotionally strong become a shell of what he once was. If anyone could give me advice: At what point do I suggest that he have help at home? Is it possible for a 73 year old man of frail health anyway to cope on his own with quite well advanced parkinson's?

[myodoc]

I assume he saw a Neurologist for the diagnosis. There are medications to help with mobility. Cognition is a rate limiting factor and enters into the decision on living arrangements. The neurologist could give you some idea based on his or her observations. At times, we will send to a Neuropsychologist to help in this regard. If his mobility and cognition are severely impaired, he would need caregiver support at home. Additionally, I would recommend that you speak with him about his finances and estate planning. Follow closely with the Neurologist if he has started medications.

Parkinson's is unfortunately a progressive disorder though the rates vary. Most patients find that mobility is the greatest problem but depression and dementia can also occur.

I hope this is helpful.

[ama45]

Most helpful, thank you.