1. < Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson’s unresponsive episodes.

Posted by bethv @bethv, Sep 16, 2018

My father, 93 years old, is suffering these unresponsive episodes, not to be confused with “freezing” of gait. The episode can last two hours and we think might be related to dehydration. Why can’t I find any mention of this in any web sites that describe Parkinson’s? Only in caregiver sites have I found any information. Is no one studying this phenomenon? There may be some connection here that needs investigation.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Parkinson's Disease Support Group.

Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jun 16, 2023
In reply to @barbaralou "What is the name of these medications? My husband jerks alot in his sleep when he's..." + (show)
@barbaralou

What is the name of these medications? My husband jerks alot in his sleep when he's dreaming, sometimes yells or laughs or just mumbles. I have sleep apnea and am in a deep sleep and I awake alot about 3 am in the morning, only to find him twitching in his sleep or talking . He has a Neurologist appt. next month BUT he doesn't want me going. Really hurts me, since I will be his Caregiver as it worsens UNLESS I die first. Can you help me ?

Jump to this post

Hello @barbaralou,

I can understand your frustration in your husband not wanting you to go with him to his appointment. The feedback that you can offer the doctor would undoubtedly help the doctor (and your husband) to find some new medication and/or therapies to help with these symptoms.

As you are dealing with some very uncomfortable symptoms that are affecting both of you, and that are related to his PD, have you considered phoning the doctor's office in advance of his appointment and letting the doctor know of these symptoms? You might also consider sending the doctor a message through the patient portal.

As you've said, you will be his caregiver for the long haul, so it is probably important that you find a way to let your husband as well as his medical team know what is going on.

I look forward to hearing from you with an update as it is convenient.

REPLY
barbaralou | @barbaralou | Jun 16, 2023
In reply to @raebaby "He died suddenly. I read that there is actually a cause called "Sudden Death in Parkinsons."..." + (show)
@raebaby

He died suddenly. I read that there is actually a cause called "Sudden Death in Parkinsons." His nose turned blue a few days before. I didn't recognise it as a symptom that his circulation was failing. He had gone to a Super Bowl party a few days before and was acting fine.(or as well as a person with bad Parkinson's can be.)

Jump to this post

A BLUE nose?

REPLY
1 reply
raebaby | @raebaby | Jun 16, 2023
In reply to @barbaralou "A BLUE nose?" + (show)
@barbaralou

A BLUE nose?

Jump to this post

Is nose actually turned a blue color.

REPLY
barbaralou | @barbaralou | Jun 16, 2023

Wow, never have heard that before. Did you do an Autopsy ?

REPLY
zaddo | @zaddo | Jun 6 11:42pm

I found this thread because my father is also experiencing these absent states. He is 90 Years old, advanced Parkinsons, on palliative care. I am not too bothered by the episodes as his cognitive abilities have been declining and this is just another thing to add to the list. His episodes can last up to 6 hours, which seems a bit longer than other posts.

His neurologist told us a few years ago that he could not do anything more for my father and that there was no need to make any further appointments. We should just try to keep him as comfortable as possible. So, I don't have anyone with the expertise to tell me what is going on. I was hoping to get some insight here.

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jun 7 6:48am
In reply to @zaddo "I found this thread because my father is also experiencing these absent states. He is 90..." + (show)
@zaddo

I found this thread because my father is also experiencing these absent states. He is 90 Years old, advanced Parkinsons, on palliative care. I am not too bothered by the episodes as his cognitive abilities have been declining and this is just another thing to add to the list. His episodes can last up to 6 hours, which seems a bit longer than other posts.

His neurologist told us a few years ago that he could not do anything more for my father and that there was no need to make any further appointments. We should just try to keep him as comfortable as possible. So, I don't have anyone with the expertise to tell me what is going on. I was hoping to get some insight here.

Jump to this post

Hello @zaddo and welcome to the Parkinson's support group on Mayo Connect.
I am sorry to hear about your dad's advanced Parkinson's and absence episodes. On Connect, we are just patients who support and encourage each other and not medical professionals.

Until another PD caregiver can respond to your question, I thought that these blog post/videos from The Davis Phinney Foundation might be helpful to you. There are a series of videos that talk about the different aspects of advanced PD. Here is the link,
https://davisphinneyfoundation.org/resources/parkinsons-care-partner-resources/my-person-is-in-advanced-stages/
How long ago was your dad diagnosed with PD and when did the absence episodes start?

REPLY
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.