
Parkinson's Disease Support Group
Parkinson's disease is a movement disorder often characterized by muscle rigidity, tremor, a slowing of physical movement, and in extreme cases, a loss of physical movement. The primary symptoms of Parkinsons are due to excessive muscle contraction, normally caused by the insufficient formation and action of dopamine, which is produced in the dopaminergic neurons of the...
I agree with both Yoohoo and Laurikis. Both insomnia and depression can play a huge role in excessive daytime sleepiness.
I would like to add that when I first started on PD meds, I suffered extreme daytime sleepiness. Although I still have this issue, it has lessened significantly, as my body became accustomed to the meds. Also, some PD meds can cause excessive sleepiness as a side effect. You might want to research the side effects of the meds he takes.
If the a cause for his excessive sleepiness can't be determined, I have read that some PD patients take something called Provigil to help during the day.
Take care, and I hope things get better for your father.
Nicole
I agree that this sounds like depression. 50% of us experience it because of PD. However, at the risk of redundancy, I am appending below a response I sent to another person this afternoon. Here goes:
I hope I can shed a little glimmer of hope here. I readily identify with the feelings of hopelessness, fear, and utter panic at the prospect of becoming not only disabled due to PD, but dragging my wife and family down with me.
That being said, let me also share that all is not lost, but you have to act quickly and decisively to get ahead of the disease and not fall prey to its destructive power. Due to a couple of chance conversations I had early on in my diagnosis, I decided to launch a 3-pronged counterattack which, at least for me, has worked and worked well. Whereas in April, I was a 25 on the 0 to 60 point PD scale (mid-Stage 2), I am now evaluated by my neuros as a 3 (early Stage 1). Except for my micrographia and somewhat faint voice when I am overtired, I am practically symptom-free. Seriously. No one would have the slightest idea I have PD. Back in April, I could barely walk without assistance (partly due to complications from 2 bulging disks and sciatica which compounded the effects of my PD).
Don't believe everything you read about PD. It is managable but it takes commitment. If you want to know what I am doing to be victorious in this battle, let me know. I don't promise miracles, but I sure can tell you what has worked beautifully for me.
Oh, incidentally, I see one of the foremost neuros in the field of PD, and, in retrospect, even he has not offered me even the most basic guidance. Besides confirming my diagnosis, giving me two prescriptions, and saying "Good luck", he hasn't done much for me. No doctors will. They are disinclined to do much of anything, so don't be surprised if they seem a little useless. All they do is treat symptoms. I have devised and carried out my own program and I am the only PD patient I know personally who is getting steadily better rather than worse.
Just write me and I will explain.
Heavy D
many hugs to all you you