Motor Skills help

PlentyQuiet

DH is late stage 6/early 7. We have been told that the next milestones for him will be mobility issues and then eating issues.

He seems to be unable to do things like lift his foot on command. He will go up and down stairs (slowly) but when I ask him to lift his foot to get his pajamas on he seems to be unable to do so. I have tried demonstrating, helping etc.,. Voluntary movements seems so hard for him.

Is this the first part of losing mobility ot just a comprehension issue? Any thoughts from those who's LO lost mobility? Does it start this way?

trottingalong

That is what happened to my MIL. she could still shuffle around a bit but changing her clothes became very difficult because we had to lift her leg, lift her arms, etc. she could not comprehend what we were asking her to do. That moved fairly quickly into her being unable to walk. My FIL would physically put one of her arms at a time up on his shoulders and then lift her into a wheel chair.

Vitruvius

My DW has lost all mobility (Stage 7f). As to whether it’s mobility or comprehension, I thinks it is both. The brain begins to lose the ability to “command” the muscles, but actions that are done more by instinct like walking are retained for longer. Walking does however become shuffling as muscles weaken and the brain loses control over even such rote tasks as walking. Falls become more of an issue, for my DW not from stumbling, but legs just suddenly giving out and she would sort of crumble to the floor.

Seeing many PWD at my DW’s MCF, this does not happen in the same way or at the same stage. Most to whom this happens are much older than my DW, and for them it seems to be just normal aging issues, they often can use a walker. For those with EOD (like my DW) it’s more pronounced, they are unable to use a walker because they can not comprehend how to use it. Dressing became quite difficult as she could not understand what I was trying to do and so could not cooperate.

Trying to teach her or demonstrate was futile. She went to PT when walking first became an issue, but all the training was lost the minute each session stopped. Home exercises were not helpful.

Sorry this is happening. Best of luck to you.

SDianeL

it may be both but each person progresses differently based on many factors so it’s difficult to be certain. Stairs are risky at this time so other arrangements should be made. When MC took my DH’s cane away he could not learn to use a walker and almost immediately went into a wheelchair. PT and OT were no help. 💜

PlentyQuiet

Thank you all! I knew the brain trust here would have some experiences to share. The worst part of this disease is the lack of a timeline or reliable progression rates. We are figuring it out as we go and I appreciate the input