Because Parkinson’s affects more than one part of the brain, some people find they experience changes in thought and memory, in addition to the more common movement-related symptoms.
In early Parkinson’s, these may include difficulty with concentration or subtle changes in memory and thinking – often barely noticeable to the person concerned. The ability to plan complex tasks or perform several tasks at one time may also be affected.
These impairments may gradually progress along with other symptoms, although medication can also have an effect on thought processes (e.g. producing confusion or hallucinations). Any changes should be reported to a doctor as soon as possible in order to determine the cause.
My mind doesn’t function the way it “should”. Simple problems of logic just cannot be sorted out the way they used to be. Somehow I know there is an answer but I just can’t formulate it. As an engineer, I was always quick and accurate with mental arithmetic and feel very frustrated when I get lost in the middle of a calculation. Sometimes my mind shuts down completely. This deterioration of both mind and body makes me feel separated from other “normal” folk and I dread the future when I become dependent.
Bill A, 67
Lucerne, Switzerland
