Is stiffness part of dementia?

Ah, that implies to me her doctors suspect some type of Parkinson's like problem. My mom was also prescribed carbidopa levidopa because the doctor felt she detected stiffness and suspected some degree of Parkinson's. Has the stiffness begun or worsened since she was taken off the sinemet? Might there be an alternative dosing schedule or medication?

She is very frail, so its no longer possible to do a firm diagnosis.
She was on carbidopa levidopa for a few years but it was an extremely small dose. She stopped taking it 6 months ago because she sleeps over 21 hours a day and it was giving her severe heartburn.

I imagine the treatments available are going to depend on the root cause, this makes me think of Parkinson's or Parkinsonism, Lewy body dementia or the Frontotemporal dementia variant Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). Do you have a firm diagnosis of the type of dementia she has from a brain scan and neurological examination?

Is it possible your mother has dementia that's related to Parkinson's Disease? Because that's where stiffness is very commonly seen; with Parkinson's Disease. I've not heard of it with vascular dementia or Alzheimer's before. Which doesn't mean it's not possible; I've just never heard of it before, dealing with my mother who had vascular dementia, and my aunt with Alzheimer's. It MAY be possible with Lewy Body Dementia, LBD, however, where stiff limbs & tremors occur with some patients. Do you know which type of dementia your mom has been diagnosed with?

I think it's a good idea for you to call your mom's doctor to have a chat about this, especially since the stiffness has worsened recently. Any time a medical condition worsens with the elderly, it's recommended to consult their doctor.

Best of luck!