Hi everyone. I am posting here because I am looking for a general opinion on my father-in-law's current condition. My husband and I suspect he could have Parkinsons or starting with dementia. He is a man in his mid-60's who has taken pretty good care of himself (diet, exercise, non-smoker, rarely drinks) and doesn't have any major KNOWN health issues outside of a parathyroid issue a few years ago.

Over the past few years he has become progressively odder & odder. I am not trying to be mean, but it's the truth. He does things like take trash bags from our house to his house (and sometimes goes through it), repeat the same questions every time we see him, makes inappropriate commentary, doesn't care for his home properly. Basically a lot of judgement issues on what is/is not socially acceptable or normal. I say this first because it drives me absolutely crazy!!! (just being honest)

More important than his bizarre behavior is his health. He has a noticeable tremor in his hands. He has virtually no sense of smell (probably for about 5-10 years, maybe longer). He forgets things, misplaces things all the time. He has bladder issues (prostate checked and is fine). Trouble prioritizing. He has violent outbursts in his sleep on a regular basis including acting out dreams (punching a wall, fighting in his sleep, 'strangling' his girlfriend, etc.). He is not violent or abusive in ANY way when he is awake - it's some kind of sleep disorder. I haven't noticed any gait issues but I see him so often I'm not sure I'd notice until it was REALLY obvious.

He knows his sleep problem is serious but won't get it checked out. He's never had his sense of smell checked out either. He also has some hearing issues (though I don't recall seeing that as a Parkinson's symptom).

Does this sound familiar to any of you? Does this sound like the beginning of Parkinsons with or without dementia? We really want to hear some of your opinions on the matter so we can approach him delicately, but informed.

filnotwell,

Welcome to the forum.

I don't have any substantive advice to give, but I want to let you know that you're not being ignored.

John