At 83, Verda Edwards of New Athens, Ill. knows what it''s like to feel helpless. Thanks to Kyle Moylan, MD, a Washington University geriatric physician at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, she has gained control of her life again.

When Edwards started hallucinating last year, a doctor diagnosed her with Alzheimer''s disease and treated her with Risperdal, an anti-psychotic drug typically for people with schizophrenia. Risperdal is also commonly used to treat hallucinations or behavior problems related to dementia. But while her hallucinations subsided, she developed a severe case of drug-induced Parkinsonism. Symptoms include shuffling, tremors, rigid muscles, and overall slowing of body motion.

It got to a point where she could no longer stand up on her own, let alone walk across the room. Her daughter, Carla Ehlers, often had to come in and help her with basic daily functions.

"I couldn''t move at all," said Edwards. "Carla had to help me move around my bed and even get me to the bathroom."

Ehlers suspected her mother didn''t have Alzheimer''s disease, so she sought advice from Dr. Moylan, who specializes in several geriatric disorders including Alzheimer''s and Parkinson''s diseases. After talking to Edwards and her family, Dr. Moylan recognized the problem as Lewy Body Dementia, a condition that shares characteristics of both diseases.

"Lewy Body Dementia is something many doctors are unaware of," said Moylan. "Simple medication changes would improve a patient''s condition."

Dr. Moylan tapered her off from Risperdal and started her on Seroquel, another anti-psychotic drug with fewer side effects for patients with Parkinsonism, with dramatic results. Within a few months, she was back on her feet again.

Today, Edwards can again enjoy all her usual activities without assistance. She spends a lot of her time reading newspapers and magazines, watching videos, and listening to gospel music. She loves helping prepare meals, wash dishes, and going out on car rides with her daughter.

Edwards'' level of energy has been remarkable – in fact, her daughters say they are having a hard time keeping up with her. "Mom is doing great," said Ehlers. "I even let her mow the lawn the other day."

"Verda is one of the most dramatically-improved patients I''ve ever had," said Dr. Moylan. "It''s been a real pleasure to take part in her successful recovery."

Edwards and her family are grateful to Dr. Moylan and geriatric physicians at Barnes-Jewish for helping her regain her life.

"I was so down back then that I couldn''t do anything," said Edwards. "Now I feel wonderful."