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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Parkinson S Disease And Dementia

My 77 year old grandfather has Parkinson s and dementia. He recently had to have a catheter put in and we were told it was due to the Parkinson s affecting his bladder, it was no longer working correctly. After having the catheter a week, he developed a uti and was hospitalized for 10 days. During this time his mental status was completely altered. He wouldn t talk, open his eyes, eat or drink. He became very dehydrated as well. His ammonia levels were very high, as was his sodium level. Finally after 10 days they sent us home, hoping my grandmother would accept hospice that they offered her for him. She still refuses to this day. His symptoms are somewhat the same since we ve been home. He will eat but only a couple of bites once or twice a day. Will drink out of a straw for a few sips two or three times a day. His eyes roll back in his head and sometimes he will go days without looking at us. Last week we went back to the dr and he was diagnosed with a uti again. This time were were given more antbiotics and sent home. My question is, is this the Parkinson s taking over or the dementia, or something else? Is this the end? We are currently in the midst of getting a new primary care dr. but with the holiday s appoinments with professionals that have experience with Parkinson s and dementia are few and far between.
Tue, 27 Jan 2015
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Geriatrics Specialist 's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows.
1. Infections and hospitalization is a stress in the elderly.
2. The cognition deterioration is too high and any stress should be reduced as much as possible.
3. Family care, caretaker support, family support and involvement in social activities are necessary. He will need a caretaker, round the clock to help him in regular feeding, medication, maintaining hygiene and involving him in social activities, taking care, etc.
4. His symptoms at present are more of dementia, than Parkinson disease. Medications like Aricept maybe necessary for preventing further deterioration. Specialist opinion, care taker support, and family support is necessary for him.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
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Suggest Treatment For Parkinson S Disease And Dementia

Hi, Thanks for asking. Based on your query, my opinion is as follows. 1. Infections and hospitalization is a stress in the elderly. 2. The cognition deterioration is too high and any stress should be reduced as much as possible. 3. Family care, caretaker support, family support and involvement in social activities are necessary. He will need a caretaker, round the clock to help him in regular feeding, medication, maintaining hygiene and involving him in social activities, taking care, etc. 4. His symptoms at present are more of dementia, than Parkinson disease. Medications like Aricept maybe necessary for preventing further deterioration. Specialist opinion, care taker support, and family support is necessary for him. Hope it helps. Any further queries, happy to help again.