Posted 3/5/2010 10:43 AM (GMT 0)
Dusty
I can comment on a couple of things. First, if at all possible go with your grandfather to one of his VA appointments. If he is resistant, emphasize you want to see the hospital or learn more about VA of just to take the trip and keep him company. If he is strongly opposed to you being in with him and the doctor, don't push that point. Just by being the to support him might get you a last minute invitation into the exam room. The Doctor might give you a summary after the exam and if nothing else, you will be able to talk to your grandfather right after the doctor visit while it is all still fresh on your mind.
I can tell you my Neurologist is always glad when my wife comes to an appointment with me, because other people see things about how a Parkie functions that you can not see in yourself. This is very helpful for the doctor.
On weight lose. This is a common problem and trying to get more calories in his diet without cutting down of fiber is always a good choice. I participated in a clinical trial that is trying to determine if Creatine will slow the progression of PD. The trail is still ongoing, so no one know is it has an effect on progress yet, but I can tell you that in me, it caused weight gain. I was taking Creatine powder in a drink 3 times a day. In six months I gained 40 pounds and had to discontinue taking creating since it push my weight up to 275 lbs. I was (and still am) very active and participate in an intensive exercise program for people with PD 3 times a week. Each session is 90 mins. My doctor suspects the reason I had such a dramatic weight gain was the combination of this exercise and the Creatine. In any case, I suspect Creatine would be bennifical for you grandfather, just because he is so active.
As far as the activities around the farm goes, there is a lot to consider. You did not mention if he is having balance problems or if he often falls while walking. If these are true, then I would try to find ways to around him using ladders. Relocate stuff from the loft to the ground floor, build stairs to replace the ladder or make some type of crude elevator (wood box/crate with an electric hoist).
If he is not have balance and falling problems, don't be too concerned about him being on a ladder if he does not appear to be having trouble with it. I know may sound like bad advice to many people, but I can tell you that I am much better on stairs and ladders than I am on flat ground. I have talk to a number of other Parkie's and they have told me they are as well. Remember, PD is a disease of the brain, not the muscles. For some reason, my brain still can still control the movements for stairs and ladder climbing as well as ever, even when I have trouble picking my feet up enough to get through a door way without stubbing on the threshold.
The last thing to remember, is every time he does anything physical he is not only exercising the muscles but he is also retraining his brain. Even though brain cells are dieing and dopamine is decreasing, the more he he moves, especially if he concentrates on improving the mechanics of the movement (IE, concisely insures he has good arm swing and long, heal-to-toe stride when he walks) the more he will retrain his brain and preserve his abilities.
You want to keep him safe, but you don't want to restrict activities he enjoys or that make him feel worthwhile and more than absolutely necessary.
I my case, I enjoy woodworking. My wife jokes about the wisdom of having a Parkie with trembling hands working with power saw, drills, chisels and other sharp objects. True is, 90% of the time on am in the shop, my tremors stop or are very minimal. Doing the woodworking is my motivation to exercise, stretch, talk walks and rest. All the things I need to do to manage my PD.
I hope this helps some.