An article that appeared recently in Psychology Today asks whether dementia is responsible for falls. The answer brings to mind the many medical and environmental factors that affect the elderly in general. Several medical issues are poor vision, drowsiness or dizziness, Parkinson’s disease, arthritis, or heart problems.
A few of the issues grouped under the heading “environmental causes” are poor lighting, slippery floors or ice on sidewalks, loose carpeting, stairs, or improper footwear.
A fall may result in a broken arm or more commonly cause a broken hip. This is usually the beginning of diminishing quality of life and health.
The aforementioned issues affect the elderly in general. When considering a person with dementia, the possibility of falling is magnified.
There are many ways that dementia affects balance and movement. If any of these issues become obvious it is important to speak with a doctor.
Consider that unless a person with dementia is under continual care, they might:
- forget to use their cane or walker
- have Parkinson’s disease
- use poor judgment choosing shoes with sufficient support
- take medications that affect balance or behavior
- have poor vision
About Dementia
Dementia can interfere with daily activities and life in general. It involves the loss of cognitive functioning such as reasoning, memory, or thinking or simply being able to focus. People with dementia may have trouble controlling their emotions and even exhibit a change in personality.
It may begin with mild symptoms but progress to a stage of complete loss of independence.
Dementia and Scientific Research
Scientists are testing various compounds and drugs that may slow the progression of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Scientists at the National Institute of Health are continuing their search to locate the genes that cause dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Research projects are underway hoping to find biomarkers which are signs indicating risk, progression, or confirming a diagnosis.
About Lewy Body Dementia
Lewy Body, although similar to Alzheimer’s, affects entirely different cognitive functions such as reasoning and problem-solving. One major difference is that people with Lewy Body dementia experience hallucinations early in disease progression while Alzheimer’s patients are not affected until about the fourth year or later into the disease.
However, in Lewy Body, motor functions are affected by the disruption of a portion of the brain called the basal ganglia. When the basal ganglia is dysfunctional, it causes the same problems with walking as in other forms of dementia such as slow shuffling and falls.
As a side issue, the basal ganglia are also affected by strokes resulting in symptoms similar to vascular dementia.
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
The brain’s frontal lobes assist in governing and coordinating a person’s walking. When the lobes are damaged, walking becomes slow and is accompanied by loss of balance and often falling backward.
A hemorrhage or brain infection is usually the cause of the blocking of drainage pathways for cerebrospinal fluid resulting in a form of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). The same pattern (dementia and balance disorder) applies to vascular dementia and other forms of dementia.
