Wellness

[sassenach1]

First my specific question, then a bit of background:

In your experience can the mind of the Alzheimer's patient seem to fluctuate in lucidity?

Brief story: my mother was diagnosed in 2008, came to live here in late 2010. It has been a very rough road with her mind. Classic Alzheimer's stages. Our family doc gave her the questionnaire test twice since 2010. She continues to have many other health issues: aoritc valve replacements, HBP (controlled now, but they could not for years), now a bad mitral and pulmonary valve, many back and other surgeries, etc. (Much more complicated, but trying to be brief here)

Somewhere around 2009, she visited a neuroloigst due to her shaking. He said it was not Parkinson's, but an unspecific neuropathic issue.

Fast forward: I have suspected Parkinson's for a few months. She is bent, shuffles in her gait, has a blank affect. Our doc this week saw this and we are seeing a neurologist next month.

Oddly, her mind seems better in the last few days. She does not have the blank stare, is more aware and seems more engaged. Where did this come from? Is this normal? Everything I have read about ALZ is that is a constant decline.

I am confused.

Maybe this neurologist will diagnose specifically ALZ or Parkinson's with dementia or Parkinson's with Lewy Body.

Any input is appreciated!