My mother is walking around with her arm jacked up. Is this common from Alzheimer's patient to do this?

My mother had rotator cuff issues. She also had Parkinson’s disease. She wasn’t a candidate for surgery due to her age. Shoulder problems are painful.

My mom’s doctor ordered home health for mom because physical and occupational therapy can help with pain and flexibility. Ask your mother’s doctor if she would benefit from home health.

My husband had rotator cuff surgery on both of his shoulders. I saw firsthand how painful it is. I spoke with his surgeon after his surgeries. Shoulder issues are distressing.

Dementia causes people to do some pretty strange things. I know when I'm with certain clients, I find myself excusing and going down to do laundry. I make sure they are safe first watching tv. Some days can be calm and other days I'm ready to go the nearest pub! Even though I don't drink.

There is no normal, everyday it is something new. I've learned to just go with the flow and leave it at that.

I don't know if it is common, but my mom will often hold her two hands up in the air in stiff, awkward-looking positions while she is sitting watching TV. She can't explain what she is doing or why.

Have you asked her about pain? She could have a sort of "frozen shoulder" injury, which often doesn't show on xray.
Hard to know what this is, but you are ruling out the right things in the right way.