Balance and coordination problems on stairs can be an early sign of dementia, according to leading charities Alzheimer Scotland and the Alzheimer’s Society
Dementia refers to a deterioration in mental function significant enough to disrupt everyday activities. Rather than being a single condition, it’s a collection of symptoms resulting from various neurological disorders.
Alzheimer’s disease represents the most prevalent form of dementia, though other types exist, including vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. While dementia is frequently linked with forgetfulness, disorientation, and struggles with routine activities, there’s one often-missed warning sign that can manifest in an unexpected manner while navigating stairs.
Specialists are highlighting this less recognised early indicator of dementia, which may emerge before substantial changes in behaviour become apparent.
Alzheimer Scotland, a prominent dementia charity, has emphasised the necessity of identifying symptoms that extend beyond memory problems, reports Surrey Live.
The organisation explained: “People often assume that memory loss and dementia are one and the same, but there are other key symptoms and signs to look out for.
“Every person with dementia is different. How their illness affects them depends on which areas of their brain are most damaged.”
The condition manifests differently across individuals, and while forgetfulness, reduced cognitive speed, decreased mental acuity, and language challenges are widely recognised indicators, additional signs may suggest its development.
Alterations in balance, coordination, and spatial perception can serve as an early warning sign that something is wrong, yet many individuals brush aside these nuanced changes as a natural consequence of growing older.
Beyond cognitive deterioration, dementia can also substantially affect physical mobility due to the sufferer’s weakened ability to gauge distances, likely resulting from the brain’s reduced capacity to interpret spatial data.
The illness can result in compromised visuospatial perception, rendering activities such as climbing or descending staircases more challenging. People may struggle to raise their legs and become increasingly susceptible to slipping or tumbling.
Alzheimer Scotland cautions that dementia can transform how we engage with our surroundings, potentially resulting in a heightened risk of stumbles and tumbles.
The Alzheimer’s Society has emphasised that modifications in a person’s gait, such as dragging feet rather than raising them, could be an early indicator of dementia.
“Things like slips, trips and falls might become more common. You might start to notice that a person is shuffling as opposed to lifting their legs when they are walking,” the charity notes.
Should someone be experiencing trouble with staircases and displaying other symptoms of dementia, it’s advisable to arrange a GP consultation for them. To enhance safety on stairs, the organisation recommends discussing modifications with landlords or letting agents where appropriate and participating in strength and balance training.
“You can reduce your risk of falling by doing strength or balance exercises twice a week. These include sitting, standing and walking exercises. Your GP could also refer you to a physiotherapist.”
The charity also recommends inspecting your home for possible hazards such as loose rugs and obstacles. The NHS further highlights additional key dementia warning signs to watch for, including difficulties with memory and communication challenges.
Dementia UK states there are various other physical indicators of the condition.
Dementia symptoms impacting mental function
- Difficulty understanding time and place, e.g getting up in the middle of the night to go to work
- Difficulty with choosing what to buy and paying when shopping
- Struggling with decision-making and reasoning
- Loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy
- Restlessness such as pacing, fidgeting and trying to leave the house
Initial signs of dementia
- Memory loss
- Difficulty concentrating
- Finding familiar daily tasks difficult or confusing
- Struggling to follow a conversation or find the right word
- Being confused about time and place
- Mood changes
The NHS notes these typically represent the earliest symptoms of dementia, though the condition manifests differently in each individual.