Unusual Walk

bwanasil

We go for a mile walk every day weather permitting. Of late my LV who is 74 yrs old and physically very fit , has been walking “strange” of late. I am afraid she will trip and fall.

Anybody experienced this ?

Carl46

I knew a man who suddenly lost the ability to use his right arm and leg due to AD. The illness spread to that part of his brain and affected him much like a stroke, and one morning he couldn't walk.

I would tell her doctor about her symptoms. She might be having a stroke or other illness, possibly something treatable, or it might be a symptom of AD.

Bridge4

Unfortunately, this sounds like another of the sad milestones of dementia progression. My DW and I loved our daily 2-3 mile walks, and for the first three years after her diagnosis these outings were vital to maintaining her strength, mood, healthy appetite, and good sleep patterns. Suddenly about six months ago she had to cut back due to lower back and hip pain, which was treated. But successive issues have arisen with pain in ankles, big toes, sciatica, shoulder slumping and left arm hanging instead of swinging forward in rhythm. After our recent visit with the podiatrist, we are down to short walks around the shopping mall, and all the benefits of a good walking program for her may be a thing of the past. It seems the mind-body connection needed to regulate the complex processes around walking and balance are just another casualty of this awful disease. Next step (pun intended): investigate light-weight mobility assistance devices so she can still get out and enjoy the open road.

harshedbuzz

Gait changes and falls are very common in dementia as it progresses. By end stages, most PWD are no longer ambulatory.

You don't describe "strange" but some changes I noticed in PWD I know-

A common one is to take shorter steps. In some people, it can seem as if they don't lift their feet as the shuffle about which can lead to trip (mechanical) falls.

They often walk slower and with a great percentage of double-support time.

Posture can be impacted. Some PWD pitch their upper bodies forward which upsets the center of gravity and can lead to falls. In later stages, some develop a posture that leans to one side which has the same risks.

Balance can be an issue. Some PWD develop low BP or experience dizziness which can make them unsteady on their feet.

Visual processing and spatial reasoning are impaired by the disease which can result in missing curbs or steps.

She might be safer using a rollator/walker if she can get used to one. It would make sense to take a hard look around your home for tripping and fall hazards. Throw rugs and loose cords are an obvious problem. As skills deteriorate, you may find she cruises using furniture to steady herself as she moves through the house. Be sure anything in her path is substantial enough or bolted to a wall lest she pull it over on herself. Grab bars in the bathroom would be useful now as well.

HB

bwanasil

Balance can be an issue. Some PWD develop low BP or experience dizziness which can make them unsteady on their feet. 

Thanks for all your responses. I think balance is going to be the issue.

CindyBum

Has you LV gone on any new medications lately? Our Dr. had put my DW on a different medication and just one day later, we went for a walk and she looked like the leaning town of Pisa…a full, hard lean to the left while walking. I had to hold her up while we got back to the car. Drug gone, lean gone.

bwanasil

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/239320#Comment_239320

No new meds . Just came “out of the blue”. Just another headache to worry about.