My 91 year old dad has been exhibiting worsening symptoms and signs of having Parkinson's Disease and up until now has vehemently opposed seeing a neurologist, I believe out of fear of having to get an MRI of his brain done.

His doctor finally insisted that he see this type of doctor immediately and next week he does have an appt where I will accompany him (together with his 24/7 aide). He is in total denial that anything at all is wrong with him although he can just barely move at all in any direction.

The only thing helping him right now is physical therapy, and the internist did start him on some kind of Parkinson's medicine.

Why do elderly parents have to be so difficult and deny everything that is wrong with them, making excuses for each particular medical problem. I was very forceful with him last week that he must go to this appt. and telling him that "he must be brave" were the best convincing words I could give him.

My Mom is much younger at 55 living with Parkinson's disease. I have noticed that she is very argumentative and basically enjoys having drama in her life. I was not aware until recently that Parkinson's affects the mind. It is as if my Mom is another person at times. I can call her one day and she seems like her old self and then on another day she is like a stranger. I am afraid of her deteriorating physical condition but her mental health changes are bulldozing me over. I truly don't think she knows that she is changing. She is defensive and down right defiant when it comes to maintaining healthy eating habits.

All I can say is this has been very emotional for me.
I wish you the best with your Dad. If you know of anything
that has helped you with his care, I would appreciate you
sharing that information. I feel so helpless as I watch her body become
more unfamiliar to her and her personality become more cold and distant.

It is very difficult to face your own mortality, but maybe more difficult to see your independence draining away.
I am not aware of needing an MRI to diagnose PD I never had one!
PT can help a lot for general strengthening and balance.
Maybe Dad needs to feel that he can get some benefit and that it is not just a way of prolonging things. Sinemet can be a miracle drug at first. Go for it!!!