Hand flapping?

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M

MuddlingThrough Asked May 2019

Hand flapping?

My husband, in middle stage vascular Alzheimer's, flaps his hands in the process of waking up. He also recently fell and flapped his hands on the ground to indicate pain. Anyone else experience this? I've heard about hand-flapping with autism, but not dementia.

Alzheimer's & Dementia Dementia Behaviors

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score 0 · Answer 1

This can be a side effect of some medications, as well, so if he is on medication check with your doctor, research online. Researching "hand flapping" on line may give a clue as well. Good luck.

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score 1 · Answer 2

Seems like I read something about handflapping associated with Lewy Body Dementia? Pops has the hair pulling thing usually when stressed. I think they're in the same category or responses.

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You bring up a great point, Faerie. My husband's diagnosis is Vascular Dementia, but he has symptoms of Frontal Temporal and Lewy Body. So, I wonder if Alz diagnoses are more art than science.

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score 1 · Answer 3

My grandson is on the autism spectrum and he also flaps his hands. So does my SIL who is mentally challenged. The doctors explained to us that it’s a coping mechanism, kind of a stress reliever. That’s probably why he does it as well.

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This is SO helpful! It makes sense to be stress, not pain. (Though he was certainly in pain when he fell.) Knowing ALL the stress signals helps my caregiving stress. Much appreciated!

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Hand flapping?

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