What you never want to hear

Receiving diagnosis of Parkinson's is bad enough, as one slowly takes in the news, learning how this will effect one's life, adjustments to daily activities are made accordingly to accommodate changes that begin to take place. To receive a further diagnosis of dementia is harder still, and one that is not talked about much. To connect Parkinson's to a form of dementia, Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) is much too frightening a thought for most, and especially patients who are still working, are scared of the possibility of being fired for incompetency. Shamefully there is stigma and humiliation related to dementia (and unfortunately a whole range of mental illness), but some Parkinson's patients might  be diagnosed with LBD, which is of course the last thing you want to hear. One couple's story, Barbara and Lee, has been an eye opener for many, and the courage in sharing their journey of Parkinson's with LBD will hopefully make people more aware. Thank you Barbara and Lee for being so open and sharing with the world your experience. Not talking about something because you don’t want to hear, or its simply too awful to think about is not going to help you or anyone else and it certainly wont magically disappear. The undeniable fact remains, that some patients with Parkinson's may encounter LBD at a later stage. So let's open our eyes, and stay informed. Information and education empower us.

My latest article on The Huffington Post is now up on-line, about narrative medicine if you'd like to have a look. Have a good weekend everyone.