Parkinson's Disease

[Guest]

My Dad is 80 years old. He has been active until the last couple of years. He started to slow down (now unusual at 78, I'm sure), but other symptoms began to appear as well. His shoulders started to stoop forward and he began to move more slowly. Almost simultaneously, be began to walk with a slow shuffle (not jerky), and his hands, which he normally held by his side...palms facing his body, now turn backwards as he walks. He has a slight tremor in his hands.

He also sleeps constantly and recently has taken several minor falls. Confusion is starting to set in as well.
Can these be signs of Parkinson's?

His doctor says he is in the beginning phase of altzheimers, but he was mentally very "with it" until about one year ago. Seems the deterioration is going very quickly.

His older brother has the same characteristics and is also declining rapidly.

Thank you for your time.

[Guest]

I would suggest that your dad be seen by a neurologist. Some of the symptoms you describe are seen in Parkinsons disease, and if so, appropriate treatment may be very helpful. A careful neurological exam would help to rule out other disorders. The history about his brother is interesting, and should be provided to the neurologist as well.
[quote] My Dad is 80 years old. He has been active until the last couple of years... [/quote]