About a month a go my wife starts to walk differently. She leaned forward and walked faster. We have always held hands when we walked together but, but now I have to hold her up as she is also unstable. I read that a change in walking gait is related to change in cognition. Usually started early on in Alzheimer's but, Can happen later. I believe my wife is at end of stage 5.
I did notice that there were those changes among all the other changes and the end of stage 5, as I understand it, is roughly when that began to be more pronounced. Balance wasn't something that deteriorated until very late. I think the increasing difficulty of moving around sometimes throws them off balance.
My husband's gait changed and deteriorated, too. As much as we tried to prevent falls, he did start falling sometimes--in part because he just would not use the walker--he would hold onto furniture or lean against the wall unless somebody was right there to encourage the walker. I think that they can get some odd gait changes and balance issues depending on where the brain damage is occurring.
Elizabeth makes a good point here. As much as medicine likes to classify dementia symptoms in "stages," the reality is that many symptoms are idiosyncratic, depending on which part of the brain is being damaged. When it comes to walking, some people start losing their abilities early on, whereas others retain them just as long as someone who does not have dementia.
Walking gate got worse. After research I wonder if if one of the parkinson like symptoms has joined her Alzheimer's. I really had to hold her up yesterday. She would lean forward and try to walk faster. Scary. From one room to the next. Ok see classic Parkinson's here at ALF but, hers is not slow. Her essential hand trimmer is worse. Yesterday couldn't sign her name. Scary, first time. Swill see our doctor today.
Today, my wife was diagnosed with Parkinson's and Will start medicine for it tomorrow. It likely led from alzheimer's from all. My wife fell today with me having a good hand grip. I sure hope the Parkinson's med works. She fell in th lobby of our ALF. Maybe it will hep her hands too. In her case it was fastidious walking. Being bent over fast, slight side to side quick forward shuffle that happens quickly. Scary. Chance to fall great
My wife is having a bad week. Last Friday it was Parkinson's, today Angiosarcoma, an aggressive cancer. We went and got the stitches out where the biosps were taken, on her face. IT IS A CANCER of the blood vessels. New word for me. Seems the plate is filling up.
Thanks Lindylou, this spot on her face has got bigger but, a biopsy in 2006 said it was just solar damage so at the most I thought skin cancer which we both have had. I did not even know blood vessels could get cancer. We will just go to an oncologist. She has forgot about cancer before we got two blocks from the dermatology clinic. Loosing memory, a good thing? No worries for her. My new word; angiosarcoma.
You are really getting hit coming and going, Rodstar. You and your wife are in my thoughts and prayers today. Keep us updated if you get a chance--so sorry you are going through all this.
When we came to New Mexico,, we sold our little 20acre ranch in Texas. The new owner was later unhappy with some things even though his inspector Ok'd everything. This week we also got served legal suit papers. Had to hire an attorney. That was same day we found out about the cancer. Busy week. What's next?
I never heard of blood vessel cancer either. Something new comes every day. I was awaken this morning with a call saying my husband had tried to get up in the night and falled, but wasn't hurt. I am trying to take that as more proof that I can't take care of him at home. Sometimes it does see that your plate is full, I guess we go to walmart and buy a bigger plate. I'm from Texas and sorry that you are having legal problems.
In case you want to know more about angiosarcoma, check out this web site..
http://www.knowcancer.com/oncology/angiosarcoma/
Our primary doctor is going to try to get my DW a PET scan. He is afraid that the cancer has already spread to the brain. This cancer is aggressive. It may beat Alzheimer's.
Oh Rodstar43, what a journey you and your wife are on. Thoughts and prayers flying to you. Fiona sent me hugs today. We (I and the many members of this page) now send hugs to you. (((((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))))). We will try to support you from this community. Search if you can for family and friends who also will be willing to help you through this.
As I am still In bed, DW sleeps a lot more, I feel those hugs. I was just mying here thinking, a month, 2 months 6. Months, what? Last night I searched for an Elder law Attorney. No luck yet. It already feels odd know that this may be over soon.
well, I got news today that my wife has an oncologist appointmeent on the tenth so maybe will learn more about her angiosarcoma. One of my twin daugghters is flying in. so we will have some support. I moved back a neurotmy that was scheduled for me. What is two weeks delay for me when compared to an aggressive cancer for her. i am going to try to meet with the Alzheimer's caretaker's group here at ALF on the 18th. My wife attend a craft group up with memory care group on second floor. First and Third Floors at this ALF are for assisted living. we will see.
Well, we met with the oncologist today. lots of good questions, few answers until more scans - PET & CAT and special blood tests. DW seemed be confused by it all. Doc agrees can't do surgery - her face and age. He knew alot but would not give me a stage for the angiosarcoma cancer untill scans. So wait, and wait some more. what else can I do. Getting good or bad at doing that.
Thanks Elizabeth, everday something different. Thank goodness, one of our daughters flew out Monday, as today it was my turn for medical exams and we needed. help. DW and daughter where going to wait in the lobby while I got chest X-rays and then doppler ultrasound of arteries in legs. Two Different problems. We had hardly got to the lobby when she became weak and wanted to sleep. My daughter and I managed to get her back to the car where she went right to sleep. An hour later, she was ready again and I got my tests done. It seems she needs more sleep. It Would have been bad if my daughter was not with us or I would have had to cancel appointments. Always something new and unexpected.
Now, Nov 1st: PET scan, Cat scan neck,Ultasound Liver, sonthing else. the Nov 8 more blood, then onoconoligst , see what treatments, what she has left in mean time keeping on.
Jan 3rd, just going to wait and see what happens.. No surgery to take half face off. will. use hospice. Anaesthesia plays havoc on HD. She doen't like two trips much less long trips o MD Anderson in Houston. her situation stable. memory loss time, seconds.