MSA with dementia

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CG:

I can now relate to what you are saying as Terry's new neurologist - her

original one left the University of Virginia for private research - is

indicating Terry has dementia similar to PD dementia. I believe this is

based on a recent SPECT scan that indicated some " frontal

abnormalities. " We still have a little work to do with the new doc while

he goes over Terry's voluminous medical history. He just arrived at UVa

less than two weeks ago and is off to a World Conference on Alzheimers in

Sweden. He did say that their all flavors of dementia depending on what

the cause is. Thus I would appreciate any comments also from the list on

dementia and MSA. I might add that apathy is Terry's most pervasive

symptom. Do you see any of that in 's case?

Date: Tue, 16 Jul 2002 03:00:07 -0000

Subject: MSA with dementia

Hello - I'm CG and my husband, , has recently been diagnosed by

Mayo Clinic (AZ) as having " probable " ShyDrager Syndrome. He has some

of the symptoms - orthostatic hypotension being the primary symptom,

sleep apnea, slurring of words and dropping vocal volume, lack of

sweating, etc. - but does not have any tremors or muscle stiffness or

bladder/bowel disfunction. However, he has some dramatic dementia

symptoms along with everything else. The docs say it is not

alzheimer's related dementia, but is more consistent with parkinson's

type dementia. I've been reading the recent communications within

this group - (And what a group it is!!! Such wonderful support and

assistance... makes me want to meet each and every one of you in

person.) - and haven't found any reference whatsoever to dementia as

a symptom. Since we're new at this, I haven't asked the docs whether

the dementia is a separate thing from Shy-Drager, or MSA. I could use

some feedback on this topic. has been my best friend for so long

and we have always discussed so many things - and now he isn't able

to converse very well. I think the loneliness, even though we're

together, is the most difficult thing to cope with. If the dementia

isn't consistent with MSA, maybe I should look for a support group

for that specific problem? Any ideas? I'll look forward to hearing

your thoughts. Thanks..... CG

Sennewald Charlottesville, Virginia