According to a new study, people with dementia are at higher risk of depression, which can make them less active, and affect how well they sleep.
The study, published in the Journal of Alzheimer‘s Disease, found that people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) were more likely to suffer from depression than those with moderate to severe MCI.
The researchers also found a link between depression and poor sleep quality, suggesting that depression may be a risk factor for poor quality sleep.
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Is frequent falling a symptom of dementia?
Falling more frequently than you used to could be an early sign of Alzheimer‘s disease, according to research. A study published in the journal Neurology found that patients who fell more frequently than they used to had a higher risk of developing Alzheimer‘s disease.
The study was led by researchers at the University of California, San Diego, and was funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) and the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH). The researchers analyzed data from more than 1,000 patients with PDA who were followed for an average of 11.5 years.
“We found a significant association between falling frequency and disease progression,” said study co-author Dr. Michael J. Siegel, a professor of neurology at UCSD and director of the Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research and Treatment at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA). “The more frequent the fall, the more likely the patient was to develop dementia.”
Falling is a natural part of aging, but it can also be a warning sign that something is wrong with the brain.
How often do dementia patients fall?
One in four seniors falls at least once a year, and that’s even more true for those who are blind or have low vision, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), part of NIH, develops and disseminates research on diseases and conditions that affect the human body and is the principal funding agency for the National Eye Institute (NEI). The NEI conducts and supports research to improve the health and well-being of people with vision loss.
For more information, visit www.nei.nih.gov.
Does dementia make you unsteady on your feet?
People who suffer from a dementia related disease will eventually develop an uncouth gait, which is hardly lifting their feet. A loss of balance will accompany the development of a shuffle. This is because the brain has lost the ability to control the body’s movements. This is why people with Parkinson’s disease, for example, have difficulty walking. They have lost control over their movements, which is what causes their tremors.
The same is true for people suffering from Alzheimer‘s. Their movements are not controlled by their brain, but rather by the movement of their muscles. As a result, they are unable to move their arms, legs, or even their eyes. In fact, the only way they can move is by moving their head.
It is this lack of control that causes them to have a stutter, as well as other symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, and difficulty with speech. These symptoms are the result of a brain that is no longer able to regulate the movements of its body. When this happens, it is very difficult for the person to regain control of his or her movements and regain a normal life.
Why do elderly fall so much?
Poor eyesight or poor hearing can make you more likely to fall. Medicines for depression, sleep problems and high blood pressure can cause falls. People with diabetes and heart conditions can be more prone to falling. If you have a history of falling, talk to your doctor about the best way to prevent or reduce your risk.
Can dementia cause loss of balance?
Problems with memory, speech, and balance can be caused by dementia. These changes can be sudden or gradual.
Can dementia affect walking?
In the later stages of the condition, dementia is likely to have a big physical impact on the person. They might lose their ability to walk, stand or get up from a sitting position over time. People with dementia are also more likely than the general population to suffer from depression, anxiety and other mental health problems.
