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When Parkinson's is Mistaken for Dementia
Caregiving and Parkinson's Psychosis
It affects more than one of every three Parkinson’s disease patients and is a devastating, life altering condition that is equally tragic to patient and caregiver. But, sadly, too few people even know that Parkinson’s Psychosis exists.
The condition is hauntingly characterized by visual hallucinations, delusions, and feelings of paranoia – and it is often misdiagnosed as Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Of the 1.5 million Americans living with Parkinson’s today, only about 40% of their caregivers say they are aware of this condition.
According to The National Parkinson’s Foundation, 60,000 new cases of Parkinson’s disease are diagnosed every year. An average of 40% of these patients – about 24,000 – are suffering from Parkinson’s Psychosis and don’t know it. Though it can occur at any stage of the disease, it is especially prevalent, as high as 60%, for those in the later stages who have been chronically treated with anti-Parkinson’s medications.
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Don't Confuse Confusion for Dementia -- 12/27/04
20% of Parkinson's Cases Misdiagnosed; Neurology Guidelines Issued -- 4/18/06
Researchers Discover Link Between Parkinson's and Narcolepsy -- 5/30/07
Alzheimer's Agitation, Aggression Controlled by Common Antidepressant -- 9/18/07
Irregular Arm Swing May Point to Parkinson's, Earlier Diagnosis -- 1/5/10
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