Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Changes In Walking Style With Memory Loss While Having Parkinson's Disease?
Question: My father is 81 years old and has started to lean forward when he walks and shuffle his feet. We are wondering if this could be early Parkinsons. He also has had pain in his legs and states he has no strength in his legs. His long term memory is very good and he does extremely well on "brain games". I have noticed increased short term memory loss. I have not noticed any tremors at all. Other symptoms presently concerned about are shortness of breath and fatigue. He sleeps a lot. Recent blood pressure check was normal 120/80.
He was recently taken off of amlodipine
He was recently taken off of amlodipine
Brief Answer:
Leaning forward and shuffling could be early signs of Parkinson's disease!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.
I am so sorry to hear about what your dad is going through. These symptoms are suggestive of a possible early signs of Parkinson's disease. Memory is not often affected with Parkinson's and as such am nor surprised he seems to have a good memory. In addition, he would have difficulties waking up from sitting position. The services of a neurologist would be very helpful in this regard!
While heart problems are major causes of shortness of breath, lung diseases are also. With the heart having been excluded as the possible cause, it will b wise to follow up with lung studies to investigate what the cause is. Probably, X-Rays, CT scans and lung capacity studies will shed more light on this. Besides, was your ad ever a smoker or worked in shipyards/construction companies?
Lastly, has his blood count been evaluated? And when was his last colonoscopy done?
I hope to hear back from you and promise to carry on with the discussions.
Leaning forward and shuffling could be early signs of Parkinson's disease!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.
I am so sorry to hear about what your dad is going through. These symptoms are suggestive of a possible early signs of Parkinson's disease. Memory is not often affected with Parkinson's and as such am nor surprised he seems to have a good memory. In addition, he would have difficulties waking up from sitting position. The services of a neurologist would be very helpful in this regard!
While heart problems are major causes of shortness of breath, lung diseases are also. With the heart having been excluded as the possible cause, it will b wise to follow up with lung studies to investigate what the cause is. Probably, X-Rays, CT scans and lung capacity studies will shed more light on this. Besides, was your ad ever a smoker or worked in shipyards/construction companies?
Lastly, has his blood count been evaluated? And when was his last colonoscopy done?
I hope to hear back from you and promise to carry on with the discussions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Dr. Ditah, thank you very much for your reply. My father smoked cigarettes until he was 49. He quit "cold turkey" and never picked up a cigarette after that. He went to dental school at that point (yes, late in his career). Prior to that he was in the textile industry but to my knowledge was in more of an engineering/management position. I do not know the answer to the colonoscopy question but will find out. I would think he would have a blood count since he has seen his physician regularly, and quite often lately. I will check to see if there are any abnormal aspects of his blood count.
One thing I failed to mention is that he has complained of significant pain in his legs and weakness in his legs. He has used a topical of some sort that helps somewhat with the pain. Would pain in his legs be consistent with Parkinson's?
One thing I failed to mention is that he has complained of significant pain in his legs and weakness in his legs. He has used a topical of some sort that helps somewhat with the pain. Would pain in his legs be consistent with Parkinson's?
Brief Answer:
Leg pain is not consistent with parkinsonism!
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Leg pain alone is not consistent with parkinsonism. However, that in no way makes this probable diagnosis less likely. His age alone is a possible reason for muscle aches. However, Zetia is known to cause muscle ache and pains.
I hope to hear back from you and do wish you well.
Leg pain is not consistent with parkinsonism!
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Leg pain alone is not consistent with parkinsonism. However, that in no way makes this probable diagnosis less likely. His age alone is a possible reason for muscle aches. However, Zetia is known to cause muscle ache and pains.
I hope to hear back from you and do wish you well.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Dr. Ditah,
Thank you again. Correction on the smoking cessation: he quit smoking when he was 39 not 49.
His last colonoscopy was maybe over 10 years ago. Do you think he should have another colonoscopy?
He has blood work every 6months and the doctor tells him what is good and what to watch for.
We will pursue the neurologist and keep the appointment with the pulmonologist.
Since leg pain is one of his main concerns, I wanted to let you know he has been on statins for quite some time. Then the doctor changed him to Zetia.
Thank you again. Correction on the smoking cessation: he quit smoking when he was 39 not 49.
His last colonoscopy was maybe over 10 years ago. Do you think he should have another colonoscopy?
He has blood work every 6months and the doctor tells him what is good and what to watch for.
We will pursue the neurologist and keep the appointment with the pulmonologist.
Since leg pain is one of his main concerns, I wanted to let you know he has been on statins for quite some time. Then the doctor changed him to Zetia.
Brief Answer:
He needs another colonoscopy!
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
1. Colonoscopy are recommended every 10years after age 50. He needs one himself if the last dates 10years ago or more.
2. Probably this muscle pain is related to the cholesterol medications. That's probably why the others were changed.
3. Good idea to follow through and allow a comprehensive neurological evaluation by a neurologist.
I wish you well and do keep me updated.
He needs another colonoscopy!
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
1. Colonoscopy are recommended every 10years after age 50. He needs one himself if the last dates 10years ago or more.
2. Probably this muscle pain is related to the cholesterol medications. That's probably why the others were changed.
3. Good idea to follow through and allow a comprehensive neurological evaluation by a neurologist.
I wish you well and do keep me updated.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
