My husband, 43 was diagnosed PD two years ago...but know he has experieced the symptoms earlier than that. My current concern is a change in personality. Is this PD or meds, or some kind of normal reaction to coping with what is ahead. Eg., he was generally very frugal with spending and recently lost thousands in a scam. It was such an obvious scam once I found out, that I couldn't believe such an intelligent man would have fallen for. Also, he has become VERY self-centered...again, not like him. Also, he is hypersexual and this also, is disturbing. Anyone who can give me some advice on the psychological effects of PD vs side effects of meds, would be greatly appreciated. I am trying desperatly to understand and to hang on to my marriage.

hi donna

u have just described my husband to a t ...he was 30 when diagnosed with pd now 44.. check out the medication he is on .. because some of them have those side effects.. my husband is now off those drugs and is doing ok.. unfortunatly lewy body dementia has set in for last 2 yrs and is now in care home.. please dont give up on ur husband because he really dosnt know wat he is doing.. go back to gp to check on the side effects and they should change them ..please persiveer with it . i know its very hard ive been through it and i am still married.. also i work and have brought up 2 lovely girls who r 18 and 16 .. they have had to deal with this illness since they were 4 and 2 . its not nice i know.. but please go to gp and get some help.. u will be surprised in change when they change medication.. i can be here for u if u want some of my advice and how i cope corrine thinking of u x i am from uk where r u from x

Corrine...thank you so much for answering...now I know I'm not alone. It is so hard to watch the changes in a man I've known all my life and I have to keep telling myself it is still him. I thought he was in the early stages, but they seem to be progressing. His next appt with neuro is sept 16 and I intend to go this time. Thank you for answering...having a hard day. All the debt has caused us to have to sell our home. It was such a stupid scam too...like I mentioned, he is smarter than that. We live in Canada, near Toronto. I would love to continue to correspond with you. My heart breaks for him, but I'm not sure he is aware of how it is effecting him psychologically. Physically is does. Thank you so much!

Hi Donna

ur not alone.. he wont feel no different to wat he did before the pd.. they never do (thnk its a man thing lol)..hang in there // can u see if u can bring his appointment forward at all and explain the issues.. sorry u lost ur home ..that must have been so hard for u .. :(..i am so glad ur wrote.. i went through alot with my husband he used to go to the bookies everday and waisted alot of our money..if i didnt give him any he would get aggresive with me and shout (nver hit me),, he is now calmer and hasnt been now for 6 months wich is very good.. hope ur ok.. and chat soon corrine anything u want to ask please ask x

First I would like to apoligize for the hurt that your husbands personality changes must be causing. All I can tell you is that my Mom who is 55, has had Parkinson's for about 8 yrs. She has literally changed into another person. Until a few days ago I didn't realize that Parkinson's disease changes more then just the sufferes physical state. My Mom is very selfish, self centered, self absorbed. Our conversations are now all about her and how she is doing. She gambles all of her money away on scratchers. It is almost like she is a teenager. She will change her clothes serveral times through out the day. She has some very seedy looking boyfriends.

I can't even tell you all of the changes that have occurred. I am now raising my
youngest sister because she is no longer capable of caring for her. This disease
is very hard to understand and cope with. My Mom falls at least six times a day
but she will still take off down the street headed to a bar to gamble. It is almost
as if her common sense and rational thinking no longer exists. She refuses to eat
healthy foods. She drinks soda and eats junk on a regular basis, despite my
warnings that they are not good for her body. She has lost so much weight
she looks like a little twig compared to the voluptuous woman she use to be.

I find no comfort in the simiarities that your husband has with my Mom. I think
this behavior is par for the course with this disease. I can only say that you
have a long road ahead of you and you have to turn with the road and
not against it. I will pray for you and your family. God Bless

Check the meds!!! Mirapex can cause compulsive behaviors - gambling, sexual, etc. It's not the PD, it;s the meds. Call the doctor for help.