Recently, I posted about my pwp (Doreen) having Comtan elimiminated from her PD medication regimen to try to determine if this was the "culprit" medication that was causing confusion, lack of concentration, short-term memory loss and disorientation...and I believe I was able to "report" to you that since eliminating the Comtan, she is decidedly better...but, there are certain times when the cognitive problems seem to be present...for short periods of time...and now, I wonder about the other medication that she's taking specifically geared to controlling tremor, i.e., Cogentin...could this be causing similar problems, though to a much lesser degree since it, too, has some of the cognitive side effects that Comtan does. Tremor has been her dominant (actually, her ONLY symptom for over 10 years with the recent exception of what we believe to be Sinemet-induced dyskinesia..and since starting the Cogentin, her tremor is almost nil so that we feel that the Cogentin is most probably the reason for this...but, now...I'm questioning its use in that it DOES have some of the cognitive side effects that the Comtan has. I'm just curious as to whether anyone, here, has ever taken Cogentin. It is an anticholinergic medication (Benztropine) and is in the oldest class of medications to treat PD. I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has ever taken Cogentin or knows anything about this medication. You see...I'm bound and determined to find the best possible medication regimen possible for Doreen. I know that it is a huge task...that it is a huge challenge...but, I have taken it on as part of my caregiving responsibility to make her life the best that it can be. Thankfully, her neurologist doesn't object to my input and, in fact, welcomes it. He is well aware that I search and research a great deal...and he is also very well aware that so much of what I bring to the office visits comes from this forum where I an "in touch" with "real live" pwp's and their personal experiences and expertise. Thank you for any information you may have pertaining to Cogentin.

Therese

I have no experience with Cogentin - I wish I could answer your questions.

But what I want to say: is bless you, my dear. What a wonderful, kind, intelligent, and loving caregiver you are. Blessings upon you.

Hello Therese, hello Doreen
Something I didn’t ask, and by all means exercise a lady’s prerogative, but consider Doreen’s age. It’s relevant b/c Cogentin lives longer in the renal system the older we get – effects the confusion aspect. Do an Internet search on Cogentin and toxicity you’ll be surprised at what you’ll find. Since it is helpful with tremor you wouldn’t want to part with it unless you had to. Even reducing Cogentin has to be done gradually otherwise you may experience some withdrawal or worsening of PD symptoms. If Doreen was taking Cogentin 2 mgs a couple of times a day then a reduction to 1 mg a couple of times a day (ask the doc) may still control tremors and if confusion lessons problem solved. If Cogentin still seems an aggravating factor then Kemadrin or Artane may work for tremor while being easier on the noggin. I couldn’t read when on Cognetin so it wasn’t for me and Benadryl knocks me out. Regards, Guy

I have to say that your thoughts about the Cogentin coincide exactly with mine, although I must admit, I knew nothing of the renal factor, i.e., that in older people, Cogentin "lives longer" in the renal system and, as a result, it can have an effect on the cognitive aspect that we're attempting to resolve. Doreen is 64 so that I believe that "qualifies" her for the "renal factor"! She is actually taking 4 mg. Cogentin daily, divided into 3 dosings, but in my mind, too, I have thought that since Cogentin CAN cause the same cognitive problems as the Comtan seemed to have caused (albeit, to a lesser degree from what I've read)...still, it would seem to me that reducing the daily dosage to one that still works so well for the tremor, yet could address the cognitive would be the logical way to proceed...just as you suggested, Guy. Now, there are at least TWO of us "in sync" with this idea and that gives me the support I will need when I discuss this with Doreen's neurologist. DO NOT FEAR, GUY...I will NOT let him know who you are nor where he can find you!!! LOL Actually, I think he has enough on his hands with ME!!!!

Thank you so much, again, Guy, for taking the time and caring enough to respond to my post...appreciate it very much as I appreciate so much all the help that I receive from people here at this forum.

Therese

for your very kind words about me...it's just nice to know that others DO recognize how hard I am trying to be the best carepartner I can be...just nice to have that affirmation...thank you so much....

Therese