Mailbox Response

The question was submitted Thursday, 6 March 2008

Subject: Lewy Body Dementia

My husband has had Parkinson's Disease for many years and in the last 2 years he has been having hallucinations which culmanated into a total break down in Spetember, 2007 and spending 10 days in a mental hospital. He immediately began having serious demential symptoms and had to quit work. He can't even make a sandwich correctly or have a intelligent conversation. Our neurologist has diagnosed him with LBD after many tests and said she felt he only has 1 to 2 years to live and has suggested bringing in hospice. In your opinion, can a determination like this be made that quickly? We are talking a period of 6 months since things have begun spiraling downhill.

Answer from DementiaNet

Thank you for your question,

It is difficult for me to give an opinion about your husbands future. To do so one would need to assess him in person.

His neurologist would have made a determination based on a detailed assessment interpreted in what is known about this disorder.

You could always request a second opinion from your local doctor.

The answer was published on DementiaNet Wednesday, 12 March 2008