Everything I read about PD says that you may not ever get dementia. However everyone I talk to who knows someone who had PD that is now passed away says they had dementia when they died. Is dementia inevitable 20-30 years into PD?

Hi YogaLife,

i spoke with a Dr. Watson at the world pd congress and asked that question. he felt that [as usual] it depends on how much damage you have and where that damage is. Much of what i read breaks it into 3 types.

Lewey Body dementia, which is a faster progressing pd type even tho we all end up with lewey bodies.

Alzheimer like dementia - no explanation needed

PD dementia - cognitive impairment, less severe, not the memory loss that alzhemiers causes.

and some don't get it . my computer battery is about to go so i'll try to remember to post a citation later.

that the chances of dementia among young onset PD were not much higher than the norm, however you trade this for an increased chance of dyskinesia.

Neil.

Nothing is inevitable. Most of PD dementia is an effect of the drugs. I say that with confidence. I got off all drugs about 1.5 yrs ago, and all negative cognitive stuff has vanished.

How did you manage to get off all your drugs, and how are you managing? What was your dx, how long ago was it? This is great to hear, another PWP who has gotten off the drugs.

BTW, I agree. The drugs cause horrific brain fog. Miss a dose, get a clear head. So weird.

are you a nurse or in nursing school if i may ask?

I am currently a yoga teacher. I have been in school for two years to become a nurse. I have two more years of school to go. My husband is a nurse of 16 years, and though he loved critical care, the stress and long hours were worsening his PD so he now works as a nurse for a medical insurance company from home.

To everyone else- thank you for these responses. I am relieved to hear this.