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I have physical issues – who needs to know?

Dementia symptoms are not limited to memory issues – physical problems can occur too. And if you have them, you should make others aware

Because dementia affects people differently, and as we’re all unique not everyone has memory loss in the early stages. You might have physical symptoms – and these can occur years before diagnosis. Studies show that some people living with Alzheimer’s disease reported that their walking pace slowed and balance was affected up to six years before their illness was confirmed.

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Physical symptoms of dementia

 Different types of dementia can cause different physical symptoms. The issues experienced are varied and often linked to co-ordination and balance. They can include serious symptoms, like seizures, or vague problems that can be dismissed as ‘ageing’, like generalised muscle weakness or the need to dash to the loo.

 If you’re experiencing physical issues related to dementia you might have symptoms such as:

  • Problems with balance

  • Issues with co-ordination

  • Difficulties with your bowels or bladder control

  • Stiffness

  • An inability to ‘pick your feet up’ when you walk – resulting in a shuffling gait or drag

  • Muscle weakness, twitches and tiredness

  • Problems sleeping i.e. waking up a lot and/or trouble going off to sleep

  • Seizures

  • Finding it difficult to sit down and stand back up again

  • Temporary paralysis

  • Falling

  • Fainting

  • Slowing up, generally

  • Feeling drowsy

How to cope with physical symptoms

It’s important that you speak to your family and loved ones about any physical issues you might have so that they’re aware of the problems. It’s also important that you speak to your GP so you can be checked over and all other causes for your symptoms ruled out – this will be easier to do with help from those closest to you. If you experience paralysis or seizure don’t wait for a GP appointment, call 999 for an ambulance.

Your GP might review your medication. If you’re experiencing problems with balance, walking and sitting, you can be referred to a physiotherapist and/or an occupational health specialist who can assess your needs and give advice on how to improve your posture and stability.

Falls can be common when you’re having physical symptoms and you might be referred to a falls prevention service so the cause can be confirmed and risk managed.

Living with the physical issues that dementia brings doesn’t mean that you can’t stay active – in fact, it’s important for your overall wellbeing that you get out and about, keep moving and retain hobbies and interests for as long as you can. However, you might need a bit of a hand doing so, which is where having a support network comes in.

What helps with physical issues

There are small changes you can make that will help you with some of your physical symptoms, including:

You can get expert advice on dementia symptoms from an Admiral Nurse at Dementia UK by calling 0800 888 6678.

If your symptoms make it difficult to cope, it might be time to apply for a care needs assessment. You can read more about that here