Is it possible for an Alzheimer's patient to forget how to walk? At times my Mom seems to forget what to do with her feet and other times she just walks normally.
Expert Answer by Joyce Simard
Yes, it is very possible that your mother has forgotten how to walk. Make an appointment with her physician so that medications or other treatable conditions that could cause this are eliminated. You might request a physical therapist evaluation. They can evaluate the risk of falling and might suggest assistive devices such as a walker. You also may consider having an occupational therapist come to your home to evaluate the environment for safety.
Answer
As stated previously, going to a dr. should be the first step. This may not be the case with your mother, but if her dementia is caused by Parkinson's Disease (PD), those with PD sometimes "freeze" and can't take the next step forward. There are some simple remedies to "freezing" that can be explored by researching reliable Parkinson's Disease organization websites.
Answer
One day my mother forget how to use her right hand as a grasping tool. She had no neurological disorder and could easily use a fork and spoon to feed herself. At one point things got worse, she began having dilussions and then one morning her right hand was stiff and closed. Nothing wrong physically but she had forgetton how to grasp with her right hand. It was painful to watch and it was a harbinger of much worse to come. I wish you the best. I know the agony of watching this disease progress.
Answer
My husband had and has the same problem, walking. At first they thought that he had Parkinsons on top of Alzheimer's. Now he has been digonosed with Lewybody dementia. It surfaces as a fast physical decline. We did use physicl therapists, evaluations, and meds, but nothing worked. He now can't walk, feed himself (hands can't grip), and can't roll over. He can move his arms and legs and still knows us and even people on the phone. However he can rarely form words or speak. Through all of this he is happy and content! I thank God each day for the things he can still do.
Answer
My mother has it also and does forget to walk sometimes other times can stand and walk others she takes off and getting clear out in the hall from her room. She has been in a care center for 2 1/2 years and has gone though many stages including assession and had to go to adult behavioral center for awhile. Doesn't use right arm any more and can't feed herself. Takes in jibberish most of the time but still seem to know us girls most of the time. Doesn't know my brother unless she hers him cough then she says Walt coughs like that. Still talks about her Mom and Dad and says they were there to see her yesterday and have been dead for of 60 years. Think Dad should come and see her hasn't been there for 3 days and he has been gone for 8 years. Sleeps most of the time and you just never know what you'll find. Some days cries uncontrollably and hard to get her to stop they have to give her meds to make her sleep then she wakes up she is better. Strange disease. Iowa Born
Was this useful? Spread the word and help others like you!