Dementia and leaning

Threesisters

Hi, I was just wondering if anyone has a loved one with dementia that tends to lean to either the left or right when sitting?  My mom has been doing this the last couple of weeks and it seems to be getting worse. I did some research online and I found a few things but I was curious to see if anyone else is experiencing something similar and what you were told or found out.

M1

Hi there, you might want to google Pisa syndrome (as in leaning tower of). My sister in law just died recently of Lewy body dementia, and the first symptom was postural instability where she lost the ability to stand up straight about five years before she died. So some of the neurodegenerative conditions can definitely have a motor component.

Cynbar

Yes, my DH does this. He also is having more issues with balance when walking. With dementia, you often see different losses of function as the disease progresses. End stage patients will be non-ambulatory and unable to sit up without a lot of support.

Jane Smith

My mother (late stage dementia but still ambulatory) leans more when she is having problems with her orthostatic hypotension.

SunnyBeBe

I saw your post and it reminded me of when my LO started leaning to one side.  It looked very uncomfortable and I asked for an evaluation to get her a different wheelchair, brace or therapy.  I read either here or some other site that while the leaning can be due to a physical condition, normally neurological, it can ALSO be due to a medication issue.  So, I asked her doctor to review her meds to see if they could be adjusted. He did, made some changes and the leaning disappeared! We were thrilled.  I’d at least ask about any meds to rule out that as being a possible cause.

jfscrub

Thanks for this info. Curious, why did the med cause this, and what kind of med was it that was adjusted? Thanks again.

SunnyBeBe

This happened about four years ago and I’m not certain the name of the med, but I believe it was a neuroleptic.  Look up Pisa Syndrome.  (Pleurothotonus)  I’m no expert, but I’d check it out.  It turned out to be what my LO had and it was reversible in a fairly short period of time.