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The Correlation Between Balance, Mobility and Dementia

The mental effects of dementia are the first thing many of us think about when we discuss this form of disease. The physical effects of dementia aren’t something that’s often mentioned, but they are important to understand, especially if you are a caregiver of a loved one with a form of dementia like Alzheimer’s disease.

“Dementia is a disease that affects the entire brain, which means that it can affect parts of the brain that are responsible for balance and mobility,” says Beth Vellante, Executive Director of Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover, a memory care assisted living community in Andover, MA. “Many people gradually lose the ability to perform everyday tasks and walk, so it’s important to know what to expect as your loved one progresses into the later stage of dementia.”

Recently, there has been a growing awareness of mobility issues and their link to dementia. A study done by researchers from the University of California at Irvine discovered a strong correlation between poor balance and the risk of developing dementia. There have also been numerous research studies done about the decline in cognition manifesting in a difficulty walking.

“Knowing about balance and mobility issues is important, then, not just to help people whose loved ones have the disease and require assistance, but also to help people become more aware of small changes in behavior that could signal the onset of cognitive decline,” says Beth.

Here are five of the mobility and balance problems that can occur in dementia patients even if they aren’t showing any form of cognitive decline.

1. An unsteady gait. 

Change in gait – the stride and motion of walking – is one of the first physical signs of mobility loss. If your loved one is becoming clumsy or slow, shuffling or walking unsteadily, bumping into things or causing more accidents than usual, this could be due to the onset of dementia. Symptoms such as the slowing of gait are known as “parkinsonism” (not to be confused with Parkinson’s disease, which is a completely separate issue).

2. Slowness of movement.

Alongside an unsteady gait, individuals experiencing parkinsonism may have a stooped posture, take shorter steps and become unable to pivot when making a turn (instead of turning on their heel, the individual makes the turn in a series of shortened, shuffling steps). Slowness of movement can be very frustrating for the senior, as it becomes increasingly difficult for them to move around their home. At this point, helpful aids like walking sticks, canes and stairlifts can help seniors be more mobile.

3. Increased risk of falls.

Dementia patients are more likely to experience falls as the disease causes problems with coordination and balance. For seniors, falls can be increasingly serious, as their bones are more prone to breakage and it takes a longer time for them to heal. Mobility aids and exercise that focus on improving balance (like yoga or tai chi) can help seniors feel more confident and mobile.

4. Difficulty in starting to move.

Apraxia, which is when the brain has difficulty communicating the need or desire to move, is a problem related to dementia. One of the first signs that caretakers may observe is that their loved ones are having difficulty starting to move, like trying to start walking after standing still, or trying to get out of a chair. In the early stages of apraxia, sensory stimuli like putting a hand on their shoulder can help the senior “jump start” and trigger movement.

5. Stiffness.

Stiffness in the body is another symptom of parkinsonism. A senior with this issue may walk with a limp or adopt strange body positions. It’s important to note that this stiffness can be caused by other conditions like muscular fatigue or arthritis, so if your loved one is experiencing this it may not be caused by cognitive decline.

“Oftentimes, these five physical symptoms of dementia occur simultaneously, which can be devastating for a senior who’s previously been healthy and able-bodied,” says Beth. “If you or a loved one are experiencing these issues, it’s essential to identify whether they’re being caused by dementia or if it’s a symptom of some other health issue.”

What can you do to help determine whether your loved one’s issues are related to dementia or something else? Here are some watch-fors and tips for making sure he or she receives the care needed in order to live safely:

Pay attention to your loved one’s gait. If you’re noticing a slowdown in their walking or stride that has popped up out of nowhere and isn’t connected to issues like arthritis, schedule an appointment to evaluate their cognitive functioning to determine if they’ve developed dementia.

Talk to their doctors. If your family member is already being evaluated for a possible dementia diagnosis, be sure to let their physician know about any mobility issues that should be accounted for in the evaluation. Remember that medications or drug interactions can also affect a person’s gait and balance – something that can be fixed by a different prescription regimen.

Make your loved one’s home more accessible. Whether the mobility and balance problems are due to dementia, illness or natural aging, it’s essential to make sure their home allows them to move as easily and comfortably as possible.

  • Arrange for walking aids like canes, walkers or wheelchairs
  • Consider physical therapy to help strengthen muscles and improve balance
  • Keep an eye on your loved one and be aware of any worsening symptoms

Engaging Lifestyle.

Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover provides memory care in an assisted living environment that is comfortable, positive, safe and engaging. Built solely to care for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover creates a wellness-focused lifestyle that promotes dignity and respects individual preferences. Our memory care teams receive specialized training that helps them safely support residents’ independence and elevate their self-esteem.

Dedicated Memory Care

Through early-, mid- and late-stage memory loss, residents and their families have complete peace of mind. Our compassionate dementia care, Personalized Services and unique programs are tailored to meet the physical, cognitive and emotional needs of each resident wherever they are on their own journey, allowing them to age in place safely, comfortably and with respect.

Supportive, Purpose-Built Design.

Featuring a stunning residential design and the amenities of a new community, Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover is much more than a beautiful place to live; it’s a community where residents’ lives are enriched, and their families enjoy meaningful moments together. Our research-based design features soft colors and lighting, directional cues, aromatherapy and interactive life-enrichment stations that empower residents to explore their homes with confidence.

Contact us today to learn more.

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