75+ year old Mom with Dementia (diagnosed approx 5-6 years ago) experiencing weakness in the lower half of her body. Becoming increasingly difficult for her to walk for more than 10 feet without "resting" on a bench for a few minutes. Has or is anyone else experienced this with a loved one? I know Dementia is one of those "we don't know alot yet" diseases but I am also finding it difficult to gather much on "symptoms" other than behavioral and memory. If anyone has any suggestions of some good books or websites please let me know! Thank you!
Also, in the MC unit, where my LO resides, there are very few residents, with advanced dementia, who are not in wheelchairs. As the muscle controls continues to decline, they then go to a gerichair or tilt chair, since they can no longer sit up, then they are bedbound. This recently has happened to my LO. The OT is coming this week to assess her for the right kind of chair. It's heartbreaking really. Seeing her this way, is really the toughest thing so far.
But a few weeks before Christmas dad stopped walking. Couldn't get the strength to even stand up. Now he is in a wheelchair all the time. Doesn't walk unless someone is holding him up from behind. In a way it is better because he was always falling, knocking things off...getting into things...just like a toddler. Mom can at least sit down beside him and they can rest together.