Alzheimer’s disease and the Ability to Walk

Dementia inhibits the ability to walk

Dementia can affect areas of the brain that are responsible for movement and balance. Many individuals affected by Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia gradually lose the ability to walk and perform everyday tasks. Knowing what to expect can make an easier transition for you and your loved one in the late stages of dementia.

Understanding balance and gait

One of the first signs of loss of mobility, is walking unsteadily and shuffling. Your loved one may seem slow or clumsy, causing more accidents and bumping into things. This “slowing” is typically associated with a syndrome called “parkinsonism.” Other signs of Parkinsonism include the shortening of steps, “stooped” posture, and the narrowing of the space between feet. Turning can become more difficult, because the person no longer pivots on their heels, but instead turn in a series of short steps. During the turns, their balance can become unstable, increasing the changes that they fall backward.

Apraxia is another condition associated with dementia and the ability to walk. An ataxic gait is characterized by imbalance, and abnormal, uncoordinated movements. Typically the individual can stand, but is very unsteady, taking small irregular steps. Very early in the course of apraxic walking in dementia, a cane or a walker can help. It is not uncommon to see a person go from a slow, cautious gait, to a normal walking pattern simply by taking up a cane.

How you can help

  • It is important to note that people with dementia can have problems with walking that are not associated with dementia. Exhaustion and pain can limit how far a person can walk. Sometimes that pain can reflect an unattended problem in foot care or muscle fatigue.
  • The person you care for may also require a mobility aid, such as a walking cane or a wheelchair in order to feel secure. Sometimes just being physically present can provide your loved one with the confidence and security to walk.
  • Consider a physiotherapist: They can help with anything from exercises to strengthen muscles to walking aids.

It is not easy to care for someone with mobility constraints!  Unfortunately, this issue is usually compounded with others, including constipation, blood clots, and pressure sores.

It takes a team

We can be your team.  Falls can happen at any time, leading to permanent deteriorations in health, and it only takes a moment.  Let us be there when you cannot.  Call us today to learn how we help: 610-323-9800.

Sources:

Understanding Dementia: Balance and Gait Examination – DementiaGuide.com. DementiaGuide, 2001. Web. 23 June 2016.

68 thoughts on “Alzheimer’s disease and the Ability to Walk

    1. Hi Cassandra,

      Is your loved one using a roller walker, cane, or other device for mobility assistance? Sometimes there can be improvements through physical therapy. If changes are a result of a dementia, this is unfortunately part of the disease process.

  1. My father is 83 and one year ago was diagnosed with dementia. His gait is slowly becoming awkward and slightly unbalanced. He refuses to use a can. He feels that he will become too dependant on it. Will a cane help or hinder him? Can you explain why please.

    1. Hi Cynthia, unfortunately this is attributed to the progression of the disease. A good understanding of the disease progression is important for us to know. It allows us to change our approaches to connect before providing care. Would you like to learn more about our dementia care services? We are available at anytime to assist, 610-323-9800.

  2. My,mothwr has Vascular dementia ans unable to,walk..2 person assist and we use a hoyer and stand to sit lift for transfers….we are in,the proceas of purchasing a mobility van,to give her a bettwr quality of life. We gave Her primary care doctor a DMV form to sign so she would not be charged sales tax for disabled person….he refused to,sign it and says she doeant need a van? Is this even legal?

  3. I was wondering if walking become an issue with people with young onset Alzheimer’s or is this more due to age related issues!

    1. Hi Sharon, here is a great three-minute video that explains the typical stages of Alzheimer’s disease: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eq_Er-tqPsA.

      Usually walking and gait issues increase with the progression of dementia. In summary, the brain is prioritizing the most important tasks (breathing, seeing, eating, digestion, walking, etc.). However, eventually the brain must also prioritize between these.

      1. Thank you for providing the video. It really provides information about progression of the disease that I have not been able to obtain from my sister’s doctor. I care for my sister who is down syndrome and has all simers she is 57 years old.

  4. My wife can no longer walk more than 20 feet. Am I looking at the end, or can this be improved?

    1. Hi Max. Although each situation is different, it would be helpful to know more about your story. Would you like to set up a time to talk more? I am sending you a separate email now.

  5. My husband is 74 and diagnosed with dementia. 3 years ago he began to get tired, then he started using a cane, then went to Walker then wheelchair. Now he can barely get out of bed into chair. He was diagnosed until 2 years ago. We didn’t realize his inability to walk was connected to his dementia. We thought something was wrong with his back causing this. After going to 3 neurosurgeons, two neurologist and to Mayo Clinic we were told he had brain atrophy and there was nothing they could do. My heart is breaking. He is in his 3rd rehab. I don’t think I can care for him at home.

    1. Hi Norma. I am sorry to hear about your situation, but thank you for telling us about it. Unfortunately dementia eventually inhibits a person’s ability to walk. Have you found the support you needed? Would you like to talk more? I am sending you a private email now.

  6. My father is 79yo. There’s not a diagnosis on him yet. 4 months ago his wife of 55 years was diagnosed with liver cancer and she has 6 months to live. He took care of her 2 months and her sister took over. A 1 month later he fell over one day and has complete memory loss. Lost the ability to walk and barely can speak. Can this be Alzheimer’s disease or dementia when it happened so quickly he went from age 79 to 101 month span? Can the trauma due this him? Trigger dementia?

  7. Thank you for the article and comments. My mom has vascular dementia and is having trouble getting up out of chair. She uses a rollator. My dad is home with her. and I am feeling as if it is too much for him, Any ideas?

    1. Hi Joy, thanks for reaching out. Vascular dementia progresses differently than other types of dementia. Progression occurs in a “stepwise” way, versus a continuous decline. You should check out this article for more info: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3314418/.

      It is really important to keep your mom active mentally and physically, without overexertion. You are trying to avoid strokes or any other disruption in blood flow.

      Your dad probably makes good company for your mom, but it could be dangerous to have him as the sole carepartner. Can a family member or a professional carepartner supplement your mom’s care needs to give your dad a break?

  8. My dad who has Alzheimer’s is having difficulty standing from his wheelchair. Once up he walks with assistance. Physical therapy says he is not making “adequate progress” so they say they cannot work with him. On some days he stands and walks well on others he cannot stand. Those days are usually when he hasn’t gotten up for a few days. He usually will get up if I am there. Should we pay out of pocket to keep him from being completely wheelchair bound. They now use a Hoyer lift to move him from chair to bed. Thanks for any info you can give.

    1. Hi Loretta,
      Thank you for telling us about your dad’s situation. As dementia progresses, mobility will decrease, and can stop completely. The brain is prioritizing which motions are most essential for survival, such as respiration, digestion, and sight. Mobility constraints are usually very hard for family members to accept. Today with the proper care, people can live a long time with Alzheimer’s disease, but this comes at the cost of seeing the disease progress completely.

      With this being said, there are still ways to engage your dad physically even if he does not get out of his wheelchair. He should be moving his legs and arms with a variety of exercises. If physical therapy no longer works with your dad, ask them for their latest physical therapy plan. A family member or professional carepartner can run through these exercises with him on a daily basis. If a family member is giving the physical therapy, it is important to look for signs of overexertion in order to allow your dad to rest.

      The finances for each family is different. If you think he may be eligible for Veteran Administration or privately held long-term care insurance funding, you may want to review his policies or consult an elder attorney or elder care coordinator. For any family, I would generally recommend at least three to five days of care per week, to address the activities of daily living, especially hygiene, nutrition, and physical mobility. Also, do not underestimate the importance of mental stimulation.

      1. My mom had her 2nd stroke 5mlmths ago and after being hospitalized for 2 weeks we sent her to aquarius ward for six weeks with her permission to become stronger and she did how beit a little. She had the first stroke 10uears ago and her left arm and leg were affected and w En ever knew the.n that mom had developed dementia becos of the clot on her brain.. This the doc inky said to us now with the 2nd stroke as the other side was affected and not the left side is more strongerhabing been weak for nearly 10lpmg years and she was disabled on that side. To date mom is being cared for by Catherine at night and during the day and dad also takes a turn and I having mommamdndad staying on our property.. We run in and out all the time and then my 3 siblings free up a roster and come in the evening each one each turn in the week mot works well right into weekends.. However our mommy is not moving much and mostly is on her hospital bed.. Everhothwr day we take her outside in the wheelchair in the yard and though week she loves it. Moms moods has so much changed her speech too and her inability to move herself and also being in a nappy.. It’s hard for her for us all.. And she needs 24/7 care
        What’s worrying is that mom is sometimes so very ugly with words to dad us and the care and cries of she doesn’t get her way. She still wants to be in command no matter how weak. She curses swears and threatens.. In essence mom rules us from her bed. Is this dementia.. Mom doesn’t recall well maybe the things prese tly bit longterm memory for sure to the detail of a color of a sweater.. She however also rbers dad’s unfaithfulness and doesn’t trust him even with the carer and therefore gives it to him and her verbally. As for us she acts very. Selfishly and also to her sister who recently visited her or anybody who we are socializing with other than mom. She verbalize the worst words ever. Please gkv ejs advice as mom is terrible and we love her and wish that she was kinder nicer to us all as we are seeing to her every need.

        1. Hi Virigina,

          This is a challenging situation. Ultimately your mom is trying to still exert control and is frustrated the limitations of her abilities. If you could channel this energy into other efforts, it might alleviate the negativity towards your family. Ultimately remember, this is not her, it is the disease. Try not to be hurt by her comments.

          Does your mom live within the Philadelphia metro area? We can complete an assessment if you want.

          1. My husband, who was always sweet and patient, experienced a personality change several years before he was formally diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. “Curses, swears, and threatens” pretty well describes the new and awful person he became, and then some. He got his old personality back when he started taking a drug called Depakote that increases GABA levels in the brain. It’s a miracle drug as far as I’m concerned. Wish we had known about it sooner.

  9. My mom can no longer walk. She is in a memory unit and has full time care. They use a sit to stand lift to transfer her. My concern is weight gain. What can we do (other than lower carbs and portion control) to help her lose weight. It wasn’t an issue when she walked. Now she is putting on 4 lbs a month.

    1. Rebecca, it is hard to tell for sure without meeting your mom, but I can give some basic suggestions. Check the sugar and sodium content in foods, offering more nutrient rich items (as long as there are no known reasons not to). Increasing water consumption also helps with weight, but may make caregiving more challenging if being done by family. If sodium levels are high, it may also increase body water retention, and therefore weight.

      Try exercises that can be done in place, but moving the upper and lower limbs. A general physical therapy guide is a good place to start.

  10. My mother is 77 and has been suffering from the disease for over 10 years. She is wheelchair bound and stooped over, possibly due to scoliosis. Her progression has been slow but over the last 6+ months she has lost the ability to talk and, now, to walk. To the best of anyone’s guess, does this represent an acceleration in her decline toward death? Her overall physical health has been strong and our biggest fear is that she lives many more years this way. I can’t help but think these recent developments mean the end may actually be in sight…

    1. Hi John. I am sorry to hear about your mom. The disease takes its toll on all of us.

      The life expectancy really varies depending on the type of dementia and existence (or non-existence) of other health complications. However, ten years is a long time to live with the diagnosis. The disease does progress to take away one’s ability to talk and walk. Dementia is terminal on its own, but most people will pass away from other health complications such as pneumonia or another untreated illness.

      This is a good 3-minute video to watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eq_Er-tqPsA.

      Remember there are still ways to connect with your mom and make life meaningful.

  11. Hello, my 84 y/o mother has alzheimer disease, it was diagnosed more than 12 years ago. She is not bedridden, she is very active, always moving around the house. She only sits down for a few minutes and gets back on her feet again. Recently she has been loosing her balance while walking (she’s kind of making sharp turns while walking). I’m worried she is going to fall and hurt herself. She is in a too advanced stage to understand what a roller is or to stay put in a chair. What choices do I have for avoiding falls, what can I do?

    1. Hi Dally, sorry I did not see this earlier. Feel free to call us at 610-323-9800.

      I would take steps to mitigate the fall risk. This means covering sharp corners, limiting your mom to one story of the home, and making sure she does not have to climb to reach items. We always recommend care in the home as an additional measure.

  12. My grandmother was diagnosed with Alzeihmers about 6 years ago. She’s been pretty much the same for the last few years, confused but pleasantly confused. She can hold conversations and walk and eat. Suddenly over the last two weeks she’s been falling a lot, refusing to eat, losing a lot of weight, and having difficulty swallowing. She is currently in the hospital and has almost no strength anymore and needs multiple people to assist her. She’s become i continent as well. Is this sudden decline normal with the disease or are we missing something? She’s gotten CT scans and most of her labs are normal, just needing some electrolyte repletion. We are now looking into long term care because this has all happened so fast and my family just isn’t capable or prepared for this. I’m very scared the end is very near due to all these gloomy signs.

    1. Kacie, sometimes there can be multiple conditions working against your grandmother simultaneously, such as a urinary tract infection or other unknown issue. It seems like you are doing the right thing by getting additional tests and having her see a physician.

      The symptoms you describe will be seen in those living with dementia. Everyone progresses at a different rate, dependent on their overall health and type of dementia. It is possible that she may be living with a vascular type of dementia, which progresses in a more step-like manner (less gradual), caused by temporary changes in the blood supply to the brain.

  13. My father is struggling to get out of his chair and now shuffling when walking ..it is getting worse by the day as he is sitting in a chair most of the day in a care home..if I do some leg excersises with him daily …will this help him walking ?.

    1. Hi David,

      I am sorry to hear about your dad. Has he seen a physical therapist? Usually they can put together a realistic exercise routine that you can continue on your own or with third party providers.

      Peter

  14. My 85 year old great grandma has been using a walker for years. She was diagnosed with dementia a couple years ago and has started falling a lot more recently. She can’t remember to use her walker when she needs to go somewhere. Is there anyway I can help her remember to use her walker? I just hate seeing her decline and I’m trying to do the best I can while I’m in college. I’ve thought about putting college on hold but I know my great grandma wouldn’t want that. She recently moved in with my grandma a couple of months ago and at first things started to get better, but now she’s getting worse again. Any recommendations will help!

    1. Hi Keely,
      I sure can empathize! I would suggest painting or decorating the walker with things she enjoys so that she wants to go to the walker. I had a patient who was a veteran refusing to use his walker, but after painting it red, white and blue, he now loves his walker. I’ve also seen some paint their walkers John Deer green for farmers, and/or gardeners and decorate with flower stickers. Hope this helps!
      Angie

    2. My wife was Dx with Alzheimer’s disease 6 years ago. In April of this year she fell and broke her right hip. She was progressing well with PT then one day she twisted her ankle. Ever since then she can not focus on walking and gets her feet crossed up when she tries. Now she is wheelchair bound and stands on her own very rarely. Most of the time I must pick her up to transfer her to the toilet, bed or couch. Is this a response to the disease or a result of the ankle sprain? No broken bones were indicated on the radiograph.

      1. Hi Randy, it is hard to tell without an evaluation, but maybe she is still in pain from twisting her ankle. It is hard for someone living with dementia to communicate their needs. She way to communicate might simply be to avoid walking.

  15. My husband has dementia and has been in dementia care for seven months now. It is progressing fast, but he still recognises me and we.share love. He is only 70yrs old, I am 68.He can no longer walk and it breaks my heart. All I can do is work with the staff and check on his treatment. All I can do is share my love with him and give him myself. I always let him know I love him and he says he knows. We have been married 47 years and we’re mid teens when we met. I miss him so much, I am still in love with him. Inside, I feel I am bleeding for him. I go to see him most days. I feel the hurt after being with him, but, I will Not abandon him. He is stuck with me. I hope he does not feel the pain I feel. I have good supportive friends abs a dementia support group I go to. I want my man back. Heather

  16. My mom has dementia and all of the sudden is walking with her back arched back. Like she is leaning backwards I’m afraid she might fall I don’t know if this is the disease progressing or something else

    1. Hi Luis. I am sorry to hear about your mom. These changes may be related to the disease. Mobility and vision are eventually affected by the progression of dementia. This may be your mom’s way of looking where she walks.

  17. Hello- my mother seemed to begin losing her ability to control her gait and her legs before we noticed signs of dementia. She is slowly becoming more confused thou she is lucid and has some intact memories (including new learning) on most days. This past year she is having difficulty standing and transferring. The admins at her assisted living have threatened to move her to a nursing home if this persists or worsens. (She has been in the attached nursing home and it is not a preferred option- we do not wish to move her so she can stay near her husband). Other than physical therapy, can you recommend ways to assist her? We have thought about lift chair, grab bars etc. there doesn’t seem to be guidance for anything at the facility. Thanks.

    1. Gina, it sounds like you are implementing good techniques. Unfortunately, the admin will eventually insist on moving to a higher level care unit, if your mom does not have additional assistance in the assisted living community. You may want to reach out to a provider to see if they can supplement care to keep your mom in her current place. If you want, give us a call to talk more: 610-323-9800.

  18. Please advice on Food, and supplement that would help my mother. I understand that Alzheimer can’t be cured but I usually talk her as nothing is wrong with her and she responds, sometimes she replies. Most of the times she wants to say but is unable to say the words. Evolving her in daily routine work. I always see her being more responsive. She is having trouble walking. However I still feel nutrition that would strength her muscles would help.. Please guide

    1. Winfred, nutrient dense shakes such as Ensure are a good place to start. Many people living with dementia begin to eat less. Gradually replace low nutrient foods with high nutrient foods (white bread with wheat bread) and always encourage water. One way to encourage drinking water is by pouring glasses and leaving them within sight. This serves as a remember and are convenient.

      Lastly, remember eating and drinking should be social activities. The more you do this together, the more likely she will eat and drink the needed amount.

  19. My husband diagnosed with MCI in 2014, had an MRI in 2018 showing significant shrinkage in his brain. He’s starting to experience his legs shaking. Goes away, but is bothersome. Having trouble with stairs, visual – spatial issues – very confused. Cannot see where the bath is; where the toilet is, where his foot lands when walking, so he’s very careful when walking. Little communication; very little understanding. Stage 5 early onset Alzheimers. Should I be worried about the tremors?

    1. Hi Maria. Sorry to hear about your husband, this is a very difficult disease and we hate what is does to those we love. All of these issues are in line with the progression of the disease. Tremors can be as a result of Parkinson’s or general anxiety. Please make sure you are changing the environment to make it more accessible to him. Try soothing background music and familiar smells and tastes. If you would like more ideas, give us a call 610-323-9800.

  20. Thank you for this wonderful blog. My mother has had Alzheimer’s for going on 12 years now, she’s 78 years old. Just this past week her caregivers began reporting that she’s having trouble swallowing, and is “pocketing” food. She has not been able to walk or talk for many months, and I believe this is the beginning of the end for her, which after so much time would be a merciful thing. Does anyone know about how long a final-stage patient typically lasts when the swallowing problems begin?

  21. How can my dad go one day with being able to walk on his own, though he was weak, and the next day he can’t walk or talk? The hospital says he didn’t have a stroke but I really don’t believe that.

  22. So my client has dementia and within the last 6 months it seems she doesnt remember for forget how to move her feet and says she is doing it but its just up and down never really lifts it off the floor to move it and the. Gets really upset with me when I keep telling her how to complete this task. I have been a caregiver for over 1p yrs but this is my first time experiencing this in the beginning she would fake alot of it for attention so I juat wanna make sure this is something related to the dementia or her seeking attention with this Corona virus and not having her daughters come visit and having visits with friends. She doesn’t ever want to get out of bed and crys when she moves like she is dying and always bent way over and refuses to stand up straight . Her doctors say she is healthy and not sure what is causing the issue

    1. Hi Heather, it’s always easier said than done, but have you tried to associate the walking with an activity or reward? Sometimes I use myself to demonstrate something they do wrong, so they correct me, and in effect, correct themselves.

  23. My dear client i. with unspecified dementia has been going through the stages over the last three to five years. Ive been with her for about three. She had a fall with her daughter in december, the flu in february, and now because of the virus has not left the house. I am concerned and would like to talk to someone about her. Irene used to go out every day from 8am to 8pm for drives and walks. since this year she has slowly slept more, than less, and now more again. Her appetite is minimal but all of a sudden (past 2 weeks) she falls asleep while eating. This week she can no longer walk with her walker on her own. I must push the walker, hold her hips up, have her stop for a breath every few feet, and remind her to lift her feet. She still insists on getting up. Should we switch to wheelchair? Is this the end?

  24. I am 47 or 6 I have Alzheimers I am losing coordination in my legs. Why. I do everything for my self. I just forget I’m doing it or how to say it. But why am I losing my balance and control of my legs. I won’t remember this web site again. Can you email me please. Not to be pushy but please hurry if you can.

  25. Hii Peter, my poor husband just turned 63 less than three weeks ago, and unfortunately his health and memory have quickly, and I do mean quickly, gone downhill drastically. His memory which hasn’t been good for years suddenly became much worse and he could no longer complete sentences because he always forgets what he was gonna say. And if I can’t hear what he said, and say “what?” He says “I Don’t remember.” He can’t remember hardly anything now. When I asked him yesterday if he went to the bathroom, he said “I don’t know.” Yesterday he could barely even speak, let alone make any sense. He tries to talk but just can’t seem to get the words out, and plus, he often cant understand what I am saying to him. I think it’s Alzheimers because he is also having trouble swallowing food or water! And as of today, he can no longer walk without my help, or he will fall onto the floor. He also sleeps a lot during the day, and I know that the part of the brain that is responsible for daytime wakefulnes is dying and no longer works right. He has been chronically ill and unable to work since 1989, over 30 years! But we were told it was severe chronic fatigue syndrome and it made sence because he had all the symptoms. Even with his cognitive and memory problems, it was thought to be chronic fatigue syndrome because there is a lack of blood flow to the brain. He was always completely exhausted and homebound and bedridden! But now with all this new stuff happening, I can clearly see that it is dementia, and had to have been early onset Alzheimers, after all he became 99% bedridden when he was only 32!. And has been chronically ill ever since. Now here I am, his 58 year old wife – we’ve been married for 40 years, and it looks like I am losing him fast! Like i said, as of today he can no longer walk without my help , and is very unsteady etc. I don’t know what to do, and my relatives don’t even believe me when I tell them how bad he is, but I an not exaggerating. Can you please give me some information on this and advice? Thank you.

  26. My dad is 87 years old with advanced Alzheimer’s. He does not recognize any family members, not able to eat using his hands, speaks gibberish and incoherently, has forgotten how to keep himself clean and take showers. Recently we are noticing that he does not want to walk, not even with a walker. Earlier , about a year back, he could walk miles albeit very slowly and holding the supporting hand of the caregiver. Now we see that even with walker anytime he will just collapse and fall down. However, it does not look like he has any pain in his limbs or joints. No swelling or arthritis. His blood work is completely normal. Dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2012. We have 24*7 caregivers to look after him. Will it help if we put him on wheel chairs?

  27. My mother has Alzheimer’s and fell and broke her hip. Has declined tremendously. She is leaning and not able to walk at all. She has been taking seroquel since June for anxiety. Can this drug be cause of her imbalance and leaning and unresponsiveness?

  28. My husband as alzheimers but as not be diagnosed yet because of cro 19 and he finding it hard to walk and keeps falling down he sleeps a lot to he had a min stroke in December last year

  29. I love your tips! I was searching online to find a way to improve Alzheimers.
    What truly startles me is Alzheimer’s or untimely infirmity, losing that capacity to peruse and appreciate and to compose. Also, you do it, and a few days perhaps aren’t exactly great, and afterward a few days, you truly get a wave, and it’s comparable to it ever was.

  30. Can someone with dementia forget to walk or stand up one day and walk and stand the next day? Someone im looking after is having episodes of not being able to stand and walk one day and being able to walk and stand for the whole month or longer.

  31. Hi my mother seems to loose the ability to walk at night times. She is awaiting memory tests for possible vascular dementia or Alzheimer’s. It seems to happen suddenly, one moment she is walking with a walk next minute she’s struggling to move her legs and stay upright. She has had a UTI which she’s on antibiotics for. Any supporting comments will be extremely helpful.

  32. My mom has had this horrible disease for 2 years now and a two weeks ago she had a episode with her sugar dropping in the low 40’s a trip to the ER over nite and all of a sudden she has no strength in her legs to walk or stand. She’s always saying her right leg hurts and she cries a lot in pain she had an X-ray on that leg while in the ER but they didn’t she anything. Before this she could walk with out any assistance how can this just happen overnight?

  33. Hi my mum is 72 2 months ago diagnosed with early dementia. However her balance and mobility has been very poor for nearly two years. I thought mobility was one of the last things to be affected. Could this mean shes more advanced than she was told?

  34. My mother will be 94 this September she has been living with me for the last 7 years. She doesn’t know who I am but does call me by my name. I am the person that does her laundry, her errands , etc. She has had a right knee replacement and needs the other knee done however, due to age, she cannot have surgery. She takes 4 hydrocodone a day for pain. She insists she wear a brace on both knees for support which is causing her legs to swell. I have had her to the er several time for falls. She is anemic and has incontinence badly. She has also had a urine infection for the past month. Doctor claims that unless there is something more serious wrong with her he cannot hospitalize her. We cannot afford a nursing home. She has Medicare and a supplement. She fell again this morning in her room. Uses a walker but couldn’t walk today. I finally got her up and held a strap around her waist as she slowly made it to a chair in the living room. She doesn’t want to eat or drink much because she cannot make it to the bathroom. She uses poise pads but doesn’t change them as necessary and has a horrific odor about her. I do not know where to turn to next. I also care for my 71 year old disabled Viet Nam veteran husband with pulmonary fibrosis and many more ailments. Where do I turn next? The doctor ordered a urine culture this week on Wed. results not back yet. Any suggestions what to do or who to call? She has had dementia for years that has been progressing fast also anemic with low blood count white cells. Help!

  35. My 62 year old mother was diagnosed with early onset dementia/Alzheimer’s about 5 years ago now. The last two days I have found her on the floor in her room in the morning and she is completely unable to walk and then come 3-4pm she is somehow able to get up and shuffle around again. The hospital said nothing is wrong with her outside of her Alzheimer’s, does anyone have any idea why her legs don’t work in the morning/afternoon but are able to work in the evenings? Or if anyone else has experienced this with their loved one?

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