Random Balance Issue

dcare45 · August 28

DW had her first real fall last week. We were prepping supper. I turned away from her, and she went crashing into the counter onto the floor. Luckily shoulder first not headfirst. Now has a big, nasty bruise on her arm. I had noticed days prior that she would be standing still and then all of a sudden stager step backwards a few steps or when walking a random unbalanced sidestep. No huge or constant balance issues. She was getting over a UTI during this time. Hasn't wobbled in the last couple days.

I was wondering if anyone else had this type of issue and what they did to prep for the future. She still walks pretty well even with the Alzheimer's shuffle. Is this just another random event?

jgreen · August 28

Hi, @dcare45

I am attaching the Dementia Behavioral Assessment Tool (DBAT). You will see that your DW moved into being a fall risk in stage 4, and unfortunately the risk only increases as the disease progresses.

Dementia Behavioral Assessment.pdf

My DH is doing a lot of purposeful wandering and I am constantly following or even supporting him as he shuffles around. His depth perception is also off, so sitting down, and maneuvering steps increases his anxiety. I also noticed that changes in color between carpet and flooring causes DH to pause before he puts a foot down. Lots of vigilance on our part for sure! Our loved ones are ‘accidents waiting for a time and place to happen’.

Sending you hugs. 💝

sandwichone123 · August 29

My dh had a period where he fell a lot. They never found a reason, and after a month or two it stopped.

GothicGremlin · August 29

This happened a lot with my sister, but wasn't really a big problem until she entered stage 6.

In stage 4, when I could still have a reasonable conversation with her, I asked her about the floor and whether it looked flat to her or kind of uneven. I asked this question very conversationally so as not to upset her. She told me our perfectly flat kitchen floor looked uneven. Her depth perception was way off, and had been that way since early stage 4.

I had read that people with dementia often have issues when seeing patterned carpets or floors. They can perceive that pattern as a gap or something they have to step over.

So, your DW might be having a depth perception issue. I did a quick search and I found this article that might help.

Maru · August 29

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/76973/random-balance-issue

My DH had also fall the other night…his first. He is in stage 4. He hit his head but is alright. The dr. gave us a referral to PE to have him evaluated. It might have really just been an accident or it might be because he lost balance or it might be because his brain wasn't working right and failed to send the correct messages to his body on how to move, or it could be because he is 91 and muscles are weaker. I am not sure that PE will have all the answers, but if it bodily weakness or balance, then there are precautions we can take. He could use a walker, if that is appropriate.

fesk · August 29

Please rule out all medical issues. Have her tested to see if the UTI is resolved. She may need another course of antibiotics if it is not. UTIs can cause balance issues. Check also to see if there are any blood pressure issues. If there have been any medication changes recently, that should be looked at as well. Sometimes one medicine can increase the effects of another and cause issues. If there are no medical reasons for the balance issues, maybe see about getting a referral to physical therapy as mentioned above. Some may not find PT useful but we used it on/off for years up to the advanced stage and it was very helpful.

dcare45 · August 29

Thank you all for the comments. DW is stage 6 so this is not totally unexpected. I was hoping against hope that if I had seen no indications of this so far, we may be able to avoid it mostly. We did get resolved on the UTI. Her BP does fluctuate quite a bit, I will keep a better eye on that. Might try the PT. I don't know if DW can cognitively participate and complete instructions. I know she has the strength. She can hover 6" above the toilet seat for 20 minutes telling me how she can't sit down???? I have noticed as in @GothicGremlins article that she is hesitant when the flooring changes or going through doorways. I wouldn't know how to check depth perception or visual cognition. Thanks again.

fesk · August 29

If you get a good physical therapist, they know how to work with someone with Alzheimer’s - even if advanced - and can help. There does come a point when it will not be possible just like with anyone else. Best of luck to you.

Random Balance Issue

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