Complex Thinking
 

At what point does one need to consider the possibility of the beginnings of dementia?

Is it the lose of complex thinking?
Is it the lose of the ability to grasp thoughts to speak on the spot?
Is it both?

Where does it begin?

double post

I can only say
 

This is too close for comfort for me. Dad has Alzheimer's. I have PD.

I think dementia is when you lose touch with reality. I have, as many of us do, short term memory problems. I forget peoples names etc.
The good news is rereading a book is like reading it for the first time!!
DO I think I am in the early stages of dementia? Absolutely not! nor are CArolyn and Jean.

Dementia
 

Dementia is defined as the "loss of multiple acquired cognitive and emotional abilities sufficient to interfere with daily activities". More than 50 diseases produce dementia (Alzheimer's account for 70%, prevalence in PD is 20 - 30%).
Dementia varies in its specific presentation depending on which particular abilities are compromised. Disabilities can occur in memory, language, spatial perception, cognition, attention, high-level motor control, emotion, and motivation. The key is how it adversely affects daily functioning.
In PD it's often difficult to tell because of the possibility of co-morbid Alzheimer's (both increase with age) and the cognitive effect of anti-parkinsonian treatment.
Difficult condition...

Charlie, I am like you about books. I can read them, but a month later if asked about a book I read...nothing...not even the plot. I can read instruction or the printed directions to a location, but I have to read and re-read them over and over again and still I don't get it! Nothing sticks in my head!

Soania, I know the definition, but thanks for the reminder. And welcome to the board.

Sometimes I think it is just the mental health meds I take (..100mg Nortriptyline and 200mg of generic Lamictal,) but sometimes I become extremely concerned about the slow approach of dementia...and there are several kinds.

books...
 

Stitcher, I've always been that way about books. My hubby remembers books he read 40 years ago!! I can't remember last week. :eek:

But having said that, I find reading books is harder for me now. But I am REALLY enjoying books on tape.

Stitcher, sorry didn't mean to imply that you didn't know the definition of dementia. Just my contribution. Misunderstood the question posed at the beginning of the thread.

thank you Soania
 

Dear Soania,

The definition you so kindly provided was new to me (and possibly to others) and helpful as I try to sort out cognitive changes due to PD, age, side-effects or other causes. Your apology, while gracious, was unnecessary.

A handful of contributors to this site are impressively well-educated about PD and generous with their knowledge. Many other contributors and readers (especially the newly diagnosed) visit knowing full well that they may learn something new from any and every post.

We're the ones who don't post often but are extremely grateful to those who do. Remember, today's Junior Members may--if so inspired--become tomorrow's Senior Members.

I enjoy your posts...keep 'em coming!

Rose :)

Ditto on Rose, Sonia. All of us start out lurking. Then a lot of us tentatively post. Becoming bolder, we become part of the community. A few of us don't shut up. :D

Online communities are an odd combination of the old and new. The new is obvious. The old, however, is similar to societies that ensured continuity by oral history. If you look back at even our short archive you will find names that were once common that are no more. They made a contribution and then faded away "into the West" (any Tolkien fans?). Someday I will do the same. If we are lucky, you will too. Welcome. -Rick

Soania, as Rose put it far better than I would have, "Your apology--while gracious--was unnecessary," thanks Rose. Soania, I am sorry that I made you feel uncomfortable with my comment about the definition.

I guess I will ask my neuro on Monday about my questions. I still want to know when should a person begin to worry, if ever.

Carolyn

Carolyn, as someone has already posted, you are not among the demented, nor do I think you should worry about it. Worry will just corrode your great attitude! We all depend on that.
Robert

Thank you
 

Thank you Rose. Rick and Carolyn for making me feel welcome, your kind words are appreciated. Although I've been dealing with this diagnosis now for almost 12 years, much of that time I purposefully avoided these types of forums (part of that whole "head in the sand stage"!). But now that I'm becoming more proactive, I've found these exchanges to be helpful instead of stressful. Although I wish none of us were here, there is a connection that you feel with people who share a similar life experience. Thanks to all of you who contribute. Your viewpoints, research and insights have given me much to think about!

dementia and pd
 

Hi Carolyn et al,

Three months before meeting my movement disorder specialist, I self-diagnosed my PD, giving myself a 90% chance of accuracy. Because of cognitive changes (word finding difficulty, slow thinking, trouble making decisions, short-term memory loss, confusion) I was aware that my diagnosis also could be--or easily morph into--Lewy Body Dementia.

I brought this concern to three neurologists I know; all of them reassure me that cognitive changes are not uncommon in PD and that they are very unlikely to be early signs of dementia. I prefer the unvarnished truth and was therefore pleased that the most direct of the three concurred.

Here are bits and pieces from my reading today re: dementia and pd:

"About 0.2 percent to 0.5 percent of those with Parkinson’s over age 65 will have problems with dementia, including trouble with their memory, attention spans, and what is called executive function — the process of making decisions, organizing, managing time, and setting priorities." Of course, for this statistic to be meaningful to young onsetters, we would need clarification on the "over age 65" part...do they mean PWP who are 65+ or PWP who were dx at 65+?

"Older people with Parkinson disease may develop dementia. It is more common in those over 70 years old. Dementia is a medical term referring to difficulties with recent memory (e.g., the person can't remember what happened yesterday, but can remember events from years ago). Two terms used are Parkinson disease dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies. Most scientists believe they are the same thing....Signs of [PD] dementia include changes in alertness, withdrawal, loss of problem-solving skills, and lack of flexibility in thinking (getting stuck on one topic).... During a test for dementia [either the MMSE or CAMCog is useful for PWP], the patient answers [questions that] evaluate memory, problem solving ability, attention span, and language skills." http://www.aan.com/practice/guidelin...useaction=home

Looking forward to hearing your neuro's response should you be willing to share it!

Rose