Hey everyone ...

I'm ALIVE and well!!

I've been trying to log on for weeks now (months, probably!) and just haven't been able to get on. It was so darn frustrating, especially when I was a basket case and needed not only answers, but my friends. The message (below) is a duplicate one that I posted on Brain Talk. I got one response but value your input. I feel like a kid in a candy store ... I can connect again with my FRIENDS!

Terri
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Hey everyone,

I was a basket case yesterday but, well, at least my sense of humor is back today. It's been a rough month.

For those who don't know me ...

I was dx 2 1/2 years ago at the age of 44. I turn 47 in nine days!

Since then, I have been seeing the neurologist every four months. This is the first time, however, that the medications that I'm currently taking aren't doing the trick. I take 1.5 mg of Mirapex (3 x day), Artane (2 mg 3 x a day), and Wellbutrin.

I now find that my stiffness is getting worse, my balance is occasionally off, that I am tripping more often, and that my cognitive skills (especially) are truly suffering. It is a combination of all the physical, mental, and cognitive problems getting worse that leads me to believe that the neuro may begin Sinemet for the first time.

This scares me, but I have also heard from a number of you that I shouldn't fear it.

My main question (today!) is how well Sinemet helps with cognitive skills.

If anyone could give me some idea, based on your experience, that would be wonderful.

Terri

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P.S. As for logging on, I'm still having difficulties, but my husband is back in town and is helping. I had to disable the Norton Internet Anti-Virus program and will need help resetting my password, but at least I'm back!

And welcome to you ..........Thanks Chemar and John

I was dx'ed 3.5 years ago and have just started Stalevo (3 weeks ago).

L-dopa makes you feel better "all over", cognitive, tremor, bradykinesia, everything.

Probably the effect is exaggerated by the fact that the previous meds were failing and this is the L-dopa honeymoon.

Long may it go on.

Neil..

I suggest you talk to your doctor about both Artane and your agonist.

Johns Hopkins: "Cognitive Impairment - Cognitive impairment to some degree occurs in most patients as Parkinson's disease advances. The changes may be subtle and have no effects on daily functioning. Others have more significant problems with memory, attention, or planning. In patients with advanced disease, about 25% of Parkinson's patients develop a dementia syndrome. It may also be caused by other treatable conditions such as hypothyroidism and vitamin B12 deficiency. These other causes should be fully investigated. In addition, many medications used to treat Parkinson's disease can cause or worsen cognitive impairment. This is particularly true about the anticholinergic medications (eg Artane) and the dopamine agonists. Of the medications used to treat Parkinson's Disease, levodopa is the least likely to cause cognitive problems."
http://www.hopkinsneuro.org/disease_...ondition_id=58

I am sure the actual Parkinson's disease causes some effect on our cognitive ability, but Mirapex definitely gives me attention deficit and you are taking a lot. I have never taken Artane, but if I were you I would read up on the literature.

I have never seen Mirapex do anything for my Parkinson's but it does wonders for my Restless Leg Syndrome. If I were you, I would cut back a little on the Mirapex and don't start it until, say, noon. Do you seem more intelligent in the morning? Then Mirapex was the culprit.

Sinemet is good, but it has drawbacks too. However, why not try a low dose and see if it helps. If you do not need Mirapaex for RLS, drop it slowly, of course, in stages. By the way, I take Amantadine as well and it somehow assists Sinemet. Amantadine is actually anti-viral medication, but I guess if DM cough medicine can help PD why not anti-viral meds?

Good luck. My bet is that you are not losing your cognitive skills. You are simply becoming Mirapex-boggled. (My patient opinion)

Ann