4/24/26 Holy crap
So I was trying to send out an update. I pulled up the template, and all of the links were red. So I gave Gemini permission to fix it from red to green. Then it sent it that last post with no information. Sorry
I was about to talk about ways anyone can use AI to help them. I use specific threads (conversations) to keep conversations focused on the topic I need information on.
And I still will. I opened this convo at the end of December and have been feeding videos to Gemini Pro, mostly PBA and Apraxia events. I asked the AI to summarize the discussions so I could email the doc prior to the appointment.
Here it was. I think well done. I am wondering what my Doc followers think. There was a time when Docs hated “the search.” Not so sure that is the case anymore, would love to hear from Docs about this. I understand. But I would hope that because the Neuro Doc spends 4 hours a year on the Patient, they should welcome the feedback.
SO here was the summary: Too short in my opinion.
Patient Observation Summary: Sus
**Date Range:** Late 2025 – April 24, 2026
**Primary Caretaker:** Jeff Givens
### 1. Medication Adjustments & Recent Observations
* **Donepezil Taper:** Successfully tapered Donepezil due to suspected conflict with Levodopa.
* **Finding:** Observed that Donepezil appeared to trigger **aphasia** first, followed by severe **PBA (Pseudobulbar Affect)**, which then cascaded into **respiratory apraxia**.
* **Current Status:** Since tapering, the “It hurts!” (gastric distress/stomach acid) reports have significantly decreased.
* **Levodopa (Immediate Release):** Transitioning to a clearer focus on LD efficiency.
* **Absorption Issues:** Previously noted erratic absorption; recent reduction in gastric “friction” (less stomach acid/gastric juices) seems to be allowing the IR dose to hit more effectively.
### 2. Symptom Presentation & Breakthroughs
* **PBA & OCD Loops:** Episodes often present as sudden “stumbles” into emotional dysregulation, even after stable periods.
* **Recent Success (4/24/26):** Navigated the difficult 2:00 PM window with no PBA or OCD flares, indicating a more stable dopamine baseline.
* **Physical Symptoms:** Ongoing management of rigidity (noted in her non-dominant arm) and apraxia during high-stress episodes.
### 3. Caretaker Notes for Monday Appointment
* **The “Acid Tax”:** Requesting the doctor’s perspective on the interaction between cholinesterase inhibitors (Donepezil) and gastric acid levels interfering with Levodopa absorption.
* **The “Afternoon Shadow”:** Observations on late-day fatigue triggering PBA outbreaks even when morning/midday doses are effective.
So that is what I will share, but Doc should (hopefully) use her own observations.