Different day, different diagnosis

[Guest guest]

We took Dad (dx Parkinson's in 2010, then LBD early 2011) to Sydney

today to see a new neurologist today. This is her:

http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/faculties_and_departments/faculty_of_human\

_sciences/asam/our_staff/dr_carolyn_f_orr/. For the record, she seems to

be an incredible mind and was so thoughtful regarding Dad's condition

and feelings. I had forewarned her that his last neuro made some

negative comments that had impacted greatly on Dad's depression.

We hadn't been happy that since refusing to give Dad any more Seroquel

after two days of hell, a couple of months ago, his previous neuro now

had him on no meds for LBD at all aside from a tiny dose of Sinemet. We

were hoping Dr Orr (the new neuro) may be able to offer some clarity and

possibly a better quality of life as Dad's mood had taken a serious turn

for the worse.

To cut a long story (and 1.5 hour consultation) short, Dr Orr said that

Dad does not have LBD. She has instead diagnosed him with PDD

(Parkinson's Disease Dementia). She said the tell-tale sign was the fact

that Dad had an onset of Parkinson's-related symptoms years before any

cognitive decline - something she said just doesn't happen with LBD as

it's usually the other way around (ie. cognitive decline, with later

Parkinsonian symptoms). I was always suspicious of Dad's diagnosis of

LBD as everyone always mentioned hallucinations which Dad didn't really

have.

I recall someone on here recently saying that a diagnosis of PDD was

almost always later confirmed as LBD. But from what I have now

researched, as well as what we were told today, it seems highly unlikely

that Dad does have LBD.

I'm wondering if anyone has had any similar experiences? This is the

third diagnosis in less than 2 years. We absolutely trust the woman we

saw today and everything she's told us makes sense but the comments of

someone on here recently keep replaying in my mind.

Thanks, Tania.