Does anyone on this site have spouses with Parkinson's? That may very well be the ultimate diagnosis for DH. I am confused tho about the physical vs mental with Parkinson's. Most things I have read are physical. DH still has alot of memory loss and forgetfulness as well. Any comments would be appreciated.
Sheila

Starling, I think there is some clinical overlap between Parkinson's and Lewy Body, but they are not identical -- there is more of a continuum, from "true" Parkinson's without any dementia to Lewy Body without the underlying pathology typically associated with Parkinson's.

Parkinson's is a disabling, progressive condition that is predominantly thought of as a movement disorder. However, approximately 20% of Parkinson's patients can develop dementia, and this is sometimes called "Parkinson Disease Dementia (PDD)".

There is usually a fairly long "lag time" between a diagnosis of Parkinson's and the onset of dementia symptoms. If dementia develops before or within two years after the onset of motor symptoms, then the patient is likely to have Lewy Body rather than PDD. However, as with pretty much all causes of dementia, these disorders can be very difficult to diagnose with certainty, and either/both can exist in mixtures with each other, or with another syndrome.

See:

http://www.helpguide.org/elder/parkinsons_disease.htm

http://www.emedicine.com/med/TOPIC3110.HTM

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/parkinson_disease_dementia/article_em.htm

http://scienceweek.com/2005/sc050107-6.htm

http://www.depression-guide.com/parkinsons-dementia.htm

We have been told that hubby doesn't have FTD, or Lewy Body.....Latest MRI was normal once again. It is very nerve racking NOT knowing what, why or when.