Why is the Ability to Walk Affected by Alzheimer’s Disease ? Praby Sodhi

1. Why is the Ability to Walk Affected by Alzheimer’s Disease? Praby Sodhi

2. A person’s ability to walk can gradually be altered when she/he falls victim to Alzheimer’s disease. Praby Sodhi brings to light that this disease affects the brain in such a way that movement undergoes several changes. While some patients may not be able to walk, others may find it difficult to balance themselves while making any movement, adds the dementia specialist. Mr. Sodhi opines further that as their walk gets hindered, more signs can emerge as well. Once they are recognized, the family members of patients should opt for their treatment or measures. • Why does Alzheimer’s Affect Walking? • When Alzheimer’s begins to develop, the brain undergoes a number of changes. As time progresses, these changes increase. It is one of their consequences that movement begins to receive the impact of the disorder. The parts of the brain that are associated with processes controlling movement are unable to properly function. Hence, walking difficulties arise.

3. How to Identify Changes in Walk during Alzheimer’s Disease? • During Alzheimer’s disease, a person can find it hard to balance himself or herself when a movement is made. Due to this problem, at times, maintaining coordination can further become a challenge. On identifying these changes in the person, walking difficulties can be anticipated. • Dementia specialists have observed other changes too, occurring during this disorder. • Praby Sodhi says that some patients can majorly lose walking abilities over time. • Completing tasks on a regular basis can be affected, opines Mr. Sodhi. • Certain individuals may walk but in an unsteady manner. • The gait can become slow. • Another change can include a clumsy movement. • A patient’s posture may seem to be stooped over due to affected movement. • While walking, when a turn has to be made, it can be difficult to do so. • Alzheimer’s may cause individuals to fall often while they move. • In the above case, falling backward can be observed.

4. Which Challenges can Arise When Alzheimer’s Limits Movement? • For any person, making movement is essential for countless reasons. This is among the primary requirements to complete activities on a day-to-day basis. Alzheimer’s patients can face bodily difficulties. Given that their movement also becomes limited, they can undergo more challenges. • Moving for activities such as bathing and brushing becomes tough. • Continuous help can be needed even to walk small distances. • Looking at safety concerns, supervision is required to prevent falling. • Since muscles would not be actively used, their tissues may be affected. • Can Only Alzheimer’s Disease Affect Walk? • According to medical experts, walking can become limited, unsteady, imbalanced, or poor due to disorders such as dementia. However, Alzheimer’s disease, in specific, may not be the only reason leading to this. Different types of dementia can result in this condition. Moreover, aside from this disorder, other health conditions can also limit walking. • Such conditions can include neurologic disorders, infections, injuries, muscular dystrophy, etc. In the opinion of Praby Sodhi, the cause of walking difficulties should be assessed. Based on the same,

5. How to Help Alzheimer’s Patients with Walking Difficulties? • When the root cause of walking challenges is Alzheimer’s disease, specific measures can be used by caregivers to assist patients. Certain exercises, Mr. Sodhi believes, can help in reducing those challenges. They can gradually support movement better, assuming that consistency is observed while exercising. • Looking after strained muscles can be effective to help such patients. • The use of mobility devices such as wheelchairs is suggested, based on medical advice. • Patients can be positively assisted in the activities they regularly perform. • Other Measures to Ensure Improvement in Walk • Regardless of the severity of walking challenges, Alzheimer’s patients should be encouraged to improve. The dementia specialist, Mr. Sodhi believes that having a positive outlook, along with following other measures, can help. Additionally, the advice of medical professionals should be regularly sought as more changes are observed in the walk. • In Summation of the Above • Walking and moving are essential for people, including those affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Praby Sodhi is of the view that when difficulties regarding these arise, they should be managed on time. Furthermore, why Alzheimer’s affects walking should be understood. This can greatly help in shaping measures to overcome these challenges.