I have been putting Clyde's pills in his hand to put into his mouth, then a glass of water to wash them down. However, I've noticed lately that he cannot hold his hands out flat with the palms up. It is getting worse to where he now can't move them much more than into vertical position, maybe a little more. It is getting worse, and I wonder if it is part of the Alz or if I should have his doctor look at it. Could PT help, or will it just get worse anyway?
You might want to check with your neurologist. Ours told us that sometimes the deterioration can "take a detour" and go deep causing non demential type symptoms. For instance, my DH had FTD and he has begun to have Parkinson like symptoms. He does not HAVE Parkinsons, just the tremors from damage to that area of the brain. He is now on a new med for tremors. So there may be a simple explanation. Good luck, keep us posted on this.
This has not happened to my husband, but he can't put his pills in his mouth. It's weird. In fact, he's having trouble swallowing them and wants to chew them first! We have tried all sorts of things to make certain the two time release capsules are not chewed. The other pills could be chewed, or ground up and put in applesauce or such like Marsh does. As far as his mobility with his hands, I would check with his neurologist, unless others here come aboard to say that it has happened to them. I don't recall lack of hand movement being mentioned.
gmaewok-- check with his neuro and also ask about. PT. The exercises might help bring back some of missing mobility in his hands, at least for awhile. Also, they may have suggestions for devices to help or work around the problem.
I'll try to reach his neurologist today. Thanks for the input. Susan, my DH has also been diagnosed with Parkinsonism, and Lewy Body as well as the AD. His gait is quite unsteady and he is starting to have some tremors. This thing with his hands is quite new though.
Mary--We've had a few occurrences where my husband also started to chew the pills. Also, a few times he sucked the fish oil out of the gel capsule and spat out the empty capsule. Good thing he has no sense of taste!
Susan L, my DH has developed Parkinson's like symptoms recently too. We were at the Neuro yesterday, and I asked him about this and he said he doesn't think it has anything to with his AD and that I should ask his PCP when we see him Monday. What kind of med is your DH taking for the tremors?
Diane, how bad is the shaking? Is it localized to say, the hands, or the head, or is it all over? There is some shaking with AD. My husband has had a few times that they have occurred, but then they have stopped on their own. His hands shake every once in a while, but if he gets up out of his chair, they go away. This has been going on for a year. There are others here who have experienced the tremors. Have you searched through our discussions? I'll see if I can find the one that they had on it and bring it to the top.
My husband has practically no use of his hands. He can not button a button, zip a zipper, or even eat finger food. Even cookies have to be broken up and then he scoops the pieces up with a spoon. He can still handle silverware but that is about all and this was one of his first symptoms (that and losing his speech).
Mary, it's just his hands. They shake so bad sometimes that he has trouble eating. Especially things like sandwiches or burgers. They fall apart, and then he gets frustrated. I haven't searched any of the posts, but I have time, so I'll try that. Thanks for the input.