I've been seeing a neurologist for over a year. He's done many tests. Only one
a DAT scan showed that my level of dopamine was mildly low. Said it could be early aging or Parkinson's. I have a couple other mild symptoms: slowness, maybe a mask like quality though I've gotten mixed reports on that, I also stare at people a little. (My husband tells me about
this.) I originally went to the
neurologist for a speech problem-- a type that is very uncharacteristic of Parkinson's. I don't have low volume or slurring. But it is an effort to speak and I'm having some difficulty with finding words to say what I want. That's cognitive. Also, I'm very slow. (of course, frustrating). Maybe early aging -- I'm 74. Anyway, of course I'm wondering about
diagnosis. BTW no tremors.
Also went to UCLA's movement disorder clinic-- diagnose worse there. According to them, I have PSP which there's no treatment for, very rare, and according to my long time neurologist I don't fit the profile of that disease. Thankfully. Only saw them once-- I think a valid diagnosis needs more time. My husband thinks they wanted me for clinical trials?
So to my question: What do you think on the forum? I'm thinking I don't have Parkinson's. Speech problem seems mainly cognitive tho brain fine when writing.
(Thankfully) And I don't have slurring or a whispery voice like many.
I do have balance problems -- and I've fallen 6 or 7 times (luckily no breakage, just bruises). Maybe due to a life long feet disorder (too much to describe here)
Stooped posture- No. Small handwriting- No. Cog wheeling- No--only a few times.
Shuffling- maybe but life long feet disorder also a problem here.
Very long post. Hope you can get through it. Thanks for any input.
