Easily confused, forget something you heard earlier today, or having to make quick choices. I have experienced them all. Many times symptoms simply can't be ignored.
Recently, I was a co-instructor for a series of hiking classes at the Aurora Center for Active Adults (ACAA). My friend and me methodically researched all phases of the topic and made a detailed lesson plan. It would be a piece of cake for two veteran hikers, right?
My friend did a great job. When it came to my turn, the start was fine. Later in the one hour session, there were a few times where I felt tremors in my legs and arms. Of course, I was holding papers at the time. I began feeling the pressure of students watching my every move. I began words but could not finish them. Other words I wanted to say, but my brain was not processing the words.
I should be "on" because I took meds on schedule. That didn't seem to matter. The hint of abnormal pressure of not being fully aware of what I was going to say started the sequence of events. I covered as best I could by moving around the room. I used the white board to sketch our what I was telling students. The information I was to deliver to the class was once again being processed in my brain. What next? Move on and hope the lapse of memory was brief.
Cognitive impairment affects most people with PD. The same brain changes that lead to motor symptoms can also result in slowness in memory and thinking. Earlier this year, my Neuropsychologist put me through a series of tests. The result, a diagnoses of mild cognitive impairment - amnestic (associated with alzheimer dementia).
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