Why do Alzheimer's patients walk back and forth?

I have observed it in some dementia patients. It may be a phase. One of the ladies in my cousin's Memory Care unit does it and she has been doing it for almost a year.

My cousin did it for a couple of months, but a fall put her in wheelchair. That caused it to stop, but she would still wheel around with anxiety. It didn't last long though. I think her Cymbalta addressed it nicely and she's no longer anxious. If the pacing is really bad, I might discuss a medication with his doctor. I've heard of people who pace so much they wear out shoes.

I would trust Pamstegma, maybe she sees something that others don't.
If her answer is not helpful, just scroll by. She has always given helpful answers in the past.

pamstegma, where did that come from???

mitzjoe, many people with dementia pace. No one knows why they do it, but it can become obsessive and hard to handle. Is the person you are caring for doing this?

One theory is that they are looking for something, but they don't know what. It is an anxiety. I tried to think of it as exercise, it is so hard to convince our loved ones to exercise, they just don't see the need for it. It does keep the plumbing working, though, and the knees and hips working for a while longer.

If you have any loose rugs or other obstacles in the floor, you might pick them up, just to be on the safe side. It's a good reason to declutter! (Something I myself need to do - again)

The pacing will probably go on for a short while and then end on its own. Just make sure your loved one is safe while he paces.

An Alzheimer's patient may pace back and forth if they are anxious. See about getting an anti-anxiety medication for this person.

Mitzjoe, call 911, I think you may be having a stroke. Please.