Gleaton777 said "Respectfully, what difference does it make how she walks? It won't be considered when she is tested."
That can make all the difference! Too many times, the doctor does not see them walk because a tech takes you to the room and you are already on the table when the doctor walks in. If you have questions about her walk, ask the doctor to watch her walk. It can make the difference of getting an accurate diagnosis sooner rather than later.
Parkinson's is one disease it can be the tell-tell sign that leads to a diagnosis. I had never considered dementia affecting a person's walk, but that makes sense too. There may be other diseases that walking is affected in a certain way so insist on the doctor checking that too whenever you notice a difference. For a long time, I fussed at my husband for not lifting his feet when he walked because the sound was annoying. It took two years for him to be diagnosed... and a psychiatrist was the first one to notice he may have Parkinson's all because he was already in the room when my husband walked in! He asked him to walk out and come back in, then told my husband what he suspected and we finally were able to move forward to a diagnosis. Until then, he only had tennis elbow (PD causes stiffness) and severe anxiety (duh... dealing with several vague symptoms became very stressful with no diagnosis)! We spent a year with a psychologist in counseling before that life-changing moment! We were so relieved to get the PD diagnosis.
Parkinson's and possibly other diseases don't always have an exact test to diagnose... it is all in the symptoms and walking may be the one that has not been considered.
My husband and I noticed momma walking bent over going side to side. Like if you were on a boat in rough water. We later found out she had Normal Pressure Hydrosephis. (sp) Water on the brain. She had a shunt inserted in her brain to drain some of the excess water.
Yes, my mother has the same issue, but has not gotten a shunt. Was it helpful? BlueHeron-It's very important to see a neurologist who specializes in movement disorders. We saw three different neurologists before getting a proper diagnosis. When the clinician who diagnosed her watched her walk, her first comment was: "Oh yes, classic NPH walk." There are videos online, but her stance is wide, her steps are tiny and tentative, and she has difficulty changing direction.
Everyone is different. My Mom walks like you describe but she also has osteoarthritis in her knees. Your Mom could have bad knees and/or hips or pain in her feet or spine.
Respectfully, what difference does it make how she walks? It won't be considered when she is tested. Just make sure you are in the exam room with her. Sit behind her and make sure the doc gets accurate answers (you may have to nod or shake your head if her answer is not true or accurate). I had to do this with both my MIL and my Aunt. If your Mom wonders (or is upset by) you being in the room, tell her a therapeutic fib: that the doctor asked you to be there.
At this appointment ask for the HIPAA Medical Representative form. Fill in your name and have your Mom sign it. This way you can talk directly to her doc about any of her private medical info without her being present. You can't do that without this form. And/or create an online portal for her medical clinic.
I read your profile. You are not obligated to care for her in any way. You are in control of this. You just need to come to peace with "disappointing" or angering her. She'll be disappointed or angered no matter how much you bend over backwards, so make it count.
There is something referred to as the Lewy Body Shuffle. It’s where when they walk they tend of flat foot plant their feet rather than doing the footlift rolling motion to walk.
My mom had Lewy and had this. If this is what yours is doing, please pls remove all rugs asap, and you may want to put her into grippy socks, like those that are used for yoga.
Sometimes it is can be the shoes that one is wearing. I notice when hubby isn't walking quite right, it's those darn slip-on shoes he likes to wear. Numerous times he has tripped because of the type of rubber on the soles. He has zero problem when wearing the better quality shoes that has shoe-laces.
I have the same slip-on shoes but will only wear them around the house like going out to get the mail or walk around the yard, as I find those slip-ons not sturdy, and risky to wear in stores or even driving.
That is caused by a weakening of the hip muscles and is easily found online, even to pictures and films. Look up waddling gait and you will find it. It is not a dementia symptom.
It actually is and will (or definitely should) be assessed during neurological analysis. As others mention below, it is considered in identifying normal pressure hydrocephalus, Lewy body, Parkinson’s, et al.
We had our annual physicals the other day, and for the first time our gait was observed. The nurse took me to a hallway and showed me how to walk, and I was to repeat it. Great idea dug up from very long ago, when back 45 years ago, my then doctor use to have his patients walk for him to observe. Glad they bought this test back :)
“Gait disorders are more prevalent in dementia than in normal aging and are related to the severity of cognitive decline. Dementia-related gait changes (DRGC) mainly include decrease in walking speed provoked by a decrease in stride length and an increase in support phase. More recently, dual-task related changes in gait were found in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and non-Alzheimer dementia, even at an early stage. An increase in stride-to-stride variability while usual walking and dual-tasking has been shown to be more specific and sensitive than any change in mean value in subjects with dementia. Those data show that DRGC are not only associated to motor disorders but also to problem with central processing of information and highlight that dysfunction of temporal and frontal lobe may in part explain gait impairment among demented subjects. Gait assessment, and more particularly dual-task analysis, is therefore crucial in early diagnosis of dementia and/or related syndromes in the elderly. Moreover, dual-task disturbances could be a specific marker of falling at a pre-dementia stage.”
My DH aunt had this and it was part of the report from her neurologist. She used a cane for a long time after this started. It was really the first thing I noticed. She went from mowing her own lawn in her 80s to the cane and a very short while with a walker/rollator and is now bedbound. This same neurologist wanted her to have PT which she did for many years … even some after going on hospice.
Wanted to add. She was never really a faller. She did a few times but not often. And she was very aware of this, felt she was going to fall and was careful with her cane.
AND she did also have some shoes (flat converse sneakers) she was told to ditch.
Sorry, I posted in the wrong place! System will only let me edit but won't let me delete. Re-posting under OP.
Gleaton777 said "Respectfully, what difference does it make how she walks? It won't be considered when she is tested."
That can make all the difference! Too many times, the doctor does not see them walk because a tech takes you to the room and you are already on the table when the doctor walks in. If you have questions about her walk, ask the doctor to watch her walk. It can make the difference of getting an accurate diagnosis sooner rather than later.
Parkinson's is one disease it can be the tell-tell sign that leads to a diagnosis. I had never considered dementia affecting a person's walk, but that makes sense too. There may be other diseases that walking is affected in a certain way so insist on the doctor checking that too whenever you notice a difference. For a long time, I fussed at my husband for not lifting his feet when he walked because the sound was annoying. It took two years for him to be diagnosed... and a psychiatrist was the first one to notice he may have Parkinson's all because he was already in the room when my husband walked in! He asked him to walk out and come back in, then told my husband what he suspected and we finally were able to move forward to a diagnosis. Until then, he only had tennis elbow (PD causes stiffness) and severe anxiety (duh... dealing with several vague symptoms became very stressful with no diagnosis)! We spent a year with a psychologist in counseling before that life-changing moment! We were so relieved to get the PD diagnosis.
Parkinson's and possibly other diseases don't always have an exact test to diagnose... it is all in the symptoms and walking may be the one that has not been considered.
So what is gait? Gait is manner by which someone walks. And dementia can absolutely change how a person walks (and moves in general). It almost always does….sometimes even before a diagnosis. In fact, if you have a loved one with cognitive issues, you should also mention any changes in walking and movement at a doctor’s appointment."
My wife has dementia-Alzheimers and Parkinsons, see shuffles with her walk. But, she whole time she is looking down toward the floor or area walking on. This is if she is being lead or using a rolater walker. I lead her most of the time because she does not have really good balance, but what I have noticed and helping her with is to have her not look down and to look up at the area around her. I point to an object to walk to and keep her head up and eyes on it till she gets to that point if does not get to tired before reaching it. She enturn, takes longer steps almost like a childs steps and the shuffle does not exist. I also remind her when she is walking holding on my hand to lift her feet to take a step. Then I increase her step by moving a little quicker in my stride. She then has to move with the longer stride as well. I keep an eye on her as she does so encase she may start to stumble or tire. If that happens, I stop her, let her get unstressed beaths of air and then see if she can continue but make sure I am not overly stressing her leg muscles. She now will shadow walk me and move at my speed in order to keep up, but all the time I am constantly aware of her presents and ready to catch her if I see weakness. This is what I do to help her, cause I thiink that the short steps are because she and maybe others are not getting enough exercise to keep leg muscles strong to carry her. It is a nature of them the want to take the easy way of moving and I (we) have to help them exert their body and muscles which helps their mind to think and determine moves expected of them. Her helpers at The Caring Place that I take her too twice a week only leads her and she wants that of them so she does not have to exert muscle so she slide steps or just barely lifts her feet. This is how I help her with the wobbly, sliding steps..It works for her and I have to be walking every step almost with her daily, so might as well make the best of it for her and me.
That can make all the difference! Too many times, the doctor does not see them walk because a tech takes you to the room and you are already on the table when the doctor walks in. If you have questions about her walk, ask the doctor to watch her walk. It can make the difference of getting an accurate diagnosis sooner rather than later.
Parkinson's is one disease it can be the tell-tell sign that leads to a diagnosis. I had never considered dementia affecting a person's walk, but that makes sense too. There may be other diseases that walking is affected in a certain way so insist on the doctor checking that too whenever you notice a difference. For a long time, I fussed at my husband for not lifting his feet when he walked because the sound was annoying. It took two years for him to be diagnosed... and a psychiatrist was the first one to notice he may have Parkinson's all because he was already in the room when my husband walked in! He asked him to walk out and come back in, then told my husband what he suspected and we finally were able to move forward to a diagnosis. Until then, he only had tennis elbow (PD causes stiffness) and severe anxiety (duh... dealing with several vague symptoms became very stressful with no diagnosis)! We spent a year with a psychologist in counseling before that life-changing moment! We were so relieved to get the PD diagnosis.
Parkinson's and possibly other diseases don't always have an exact test to diagnose... it is all in the symptoms and walking may be the one that has not been considered.
BlueHeron-It's very important to see a neurologist who specializes in movement disorders. We saw three different neurologists before getting a proper diagnosis. When the clinician who diagnosed her watched her walk, her first comment was: "Oh yes, classic NPH walk." There are videos online, but her stance is wide, her steps are tiny and tentative, and she has difficulty changing direction.
Respectfully, what difference does it make how she walks? It won't be considered when she is tested. Just make sure you are in the exam room with her. Sit behind her and make sure the doc gets accurate answers (you may have to nod or shake your head if her answer is not true or accurate). I had to do this with both my MIL and my Aunt. If your Mom wonders (or is upset by) you being in the room, tell her a therapeutic fib: that the doctor asked you to be there.
At this appointment ask for the HIPAA Medical Representative form. Fill in your name and have your Mom sign it. This way you can talk directly to her doc about any of her private medical info without her being present. You can't do that without this form. And/or create an online portal for her medical clinic.
I read your profile. You are not obligated to care for her in any way. You are in control of this. You just need to come to peace with "disappointing" or angering her. She'll be disappointed or angered no matter how much you bend over backwards, so make it count.
My mom had Lewy and had this. If this is what yours is doing, please pls remove all rugs asap, and you may want to put her into grippy socks, like those that are used for yoga.
I have the same slip-on shoes but will only wear them around the house like going out to get the mail or walk around the yard, as I find those slip-ons not sturdy, and risky to wear in stores or even driving.
As others mention below, it is considered in identifying normal pressure hydrocephalus, Lewy body, Parkinson’s, et al.
pre-dementia stage.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2515920/#:~:text=Dementia%2Drelated%20gait%20changes%20(DRGC,even%20at%20an%20early%20stage.
My DH aunt had this and it was part of the report from her neurologist. She used a cane for a long time after this started. It was really the first thing I noticed. She went from mowing her own lawn in her 80s to the cane and a very short while with a walker/rollator and is now bedbound. This same neurologist wanted her to have PT which she did for many years … even some after going on hospice.
Wanted to add. She was never really a faller. She did a few times but not often. And she was very aware of this, felt she was going to fall and was careful with her cane.
AND she did also have some shoes (flat converse sneakers) she was told to ditch.
Gleaton777 said "Respectfully, what difference does it make how she walks? It won't be considered when she is tested."
That can make all the difference! Too many times, the doctor does not see them walk because a tech takes you to the room and you are already on the table when the doctor walks in. If you have questions about her walk, ask the doctor to watch her walk. It can make the difference of getting an accurate diagnosis sooner rather than later.
Parkinson's is one disease it can be the tell-tell sign that leads to a diagnosis. I had never considered dementia affecting a person's walk, but that makes sense too. There may be other diseases that walking is affected in a certain way so insist on the doctor checking that too whenever you notice a difference. For a long time, I fussed at my husband for not lifting his feet when he walked because the sound was annoying. It took two years for him to be diagnosed... and a psychiatrist was the first one to notice he may have Parkinson's all because he was already in the room when my husband walked in! He asked him to walk out and come back in, then told my husband what he suspected and we finally were able to move forward to a diagnosis. Until then, he only had tennis elbow (PD causes stiffness) and severe anxiety (duh... dealing with several vague symptoms became very stressful with no diagnosis)! We spent a year with a psychologist in counseling before that life-changing moment! We were so relieved to get the PD diagnosis.
Parkinson's and possibly other diseases don't always have an exact test to diagnose... it is all in the symptoms and walking may be the one that has not been considered.
So what is gait? Gait is manner by which someone walks. And dementia can absolutely change how a person walks (and moves in general). It almost always does….sometimes even before a diagnosis. In fact, if you have a loved one with cognitive issues, you should also mention any changes in walking and movement at a doctor’s appointment."
Disclaimer: Not my authoring.
But, she whole time she is looking down toward the floor or area walking on.
This is if she is being lead or using a rolater walker.
I lead her most of the time because she does not have really good balance, but what I have noticed and helping her with is to have her not look down and to look up at the area around her.
I point to an object to walk to and keep her head up and eyes on it till she gets to that point if does not get to tired before reaching it. She enturn, takes longer steps almost like a childs steps and the shuffle does not exist. I also remind her when she is walking holding on my hand to lift her feet to take a step. Then I increase her step by moving a little quicker in my stride. She then has to move with the longer stride as well. I keep an eye on her as she does so encase she may start to stumble or tire. If that happens, I stop her, let her get unstressed beaths of air and then see if she can continue but make sure I am not overly stressing her leg muscles. She now will shadow walk me and move at my speed in order to keep up, but all the time I am constantly aware of her presents and ready to catch her if I see weakness.
This is what I do to help her, cause I thiink that the short steps are because she and maybe others are not getting enough exercise to keep leg muscles strong to carry her. It is a nature of them the want to take the easy way of moving and I (we) have to help them exert their body and muscles which helps their mind to think and determine moves expected of them.
Her helpers at The Caring Place that I take her too twice a week only leads her and she wants that of them so she does not have to exert muscle so she slide steps or just barely lifts her feet.
This is how I help her with the wobbly, sliding steps..It works for her and I have to be walking every step almost with her daily, so might as well make the best of it for her and me.
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