Unusual Walk

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.

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

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.