PT for festinating gait

clkspace

     My DW quickly moved from a slow walker to strange, small steps when turning and then with all here walking.   My DW is 68 and through the summer we took regular "mini-walks".

I took her to PT and the therapist called it a festinating gait likely related to dementia.  PT to strengthen the legs and learn to use a walking is not going well.  It has generated a strong negative reaction.

For others who have seen the loss mobility with dementia I wonder if this pattern is to be expected?  Should I redouble my efforts to get her to participate in PT or am I just causing needless anxiety?

thanks in advance for any suggestions.

M1

Hey there.  I would say it's futile and causing needless anxiety.  Yes, festinating gait can be part of the disease and sadly, is not correctible.  No PT is not going to help.  Loss of mobility and swallowing difficulties both frequently contribute to the ultimate causes of death, sad to say.

JJAz

A festinating gait along with dementia would indicate a potential for Lewy Body Dementia.  Appropriate exercise for Lewy patients can make a significant difference in maintaining walking skills.  Please check out this website for more LBD symptoms since treatment for LBD is different than AD. 

  https://www.lbda.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/2017_professional_brief_-_dlb_diagnostic_criteria_0.pdf

jfkoc

A visit with her neurologist is in order. Could be Parkinsons/Lewy Body dementia and if so the meds are different fron those used in AD.

​fesk

I can't speak to a festinating gait, but PT helped my mother greatly when she was having difficulty walking.

Also, forgot to ask if there have been any med changes. That can also cause mobility issues.

clkspace

No med changes.