Early Signs of Dementia: 6 Warning Signs While Walking
Dementia is a neurological condition that affects
millions of people worldwide, gradually impacting various aspects of daily
life, which include slow steps, your walking patterns, trouble maintaining
balance, freezing while walking, lack of arm swing, uneven steps, and
difficulty finding familiar places.
While many of us are familiar with memory loss,
increased confusion, forgetfulness and personality changes as the most common
symptoms of dementia, changes in the way you walk can also be an important
early indicator that is usually ignored. Let’s detail out the warning signs to
look out for:
1. Walking Slowly, Taking Small Steps
One of the signs of dementia can be a change in
walking speed & pattern. Individuals may begin to walk more slowly over
time, taking shorter steps than usual. This is being due to the motor control
& coordination of our brain being affected. If there’s a change in walking
pattern like someone is walking too slowly and taking smaller steps, it could
be one of the signs of early onset of dementia.
2. Trouble Maintaining Balance
Maintaining the balance of the body is one of the
common symptoms of dementia. People usually struggle to walk straight in a
line, increasing the risk of falling. Difficulty in balance is not just a
consequence of aging; it can signify underlying cognitive impairment.
3. Freezing or Stopping While Walking
Episodes of freezing or sudden stops during
walking can be particularly alarming. Individuals with dementia may hesitate
unexpectedly, especially in crowded or unfamiliar environments. This behavior
reflects that the brain struggles to coordinate movements, posing safety risks.
4. Not Swinging Arms
People while walking typically swing their arms in
coordination with their legs to maintain balance. However, reduced or absent
arm swinging can indicate dementia-related motor control issues. This change is
often overlooked but can provide crucial insights into neurological problems.
5. Uneven Steps
Normally, walking involves a smooth, rhythmic
pattern of evenly spaced steps. In dementia, this pattern may become disrupted,
with steps varying in length or rhythm. Uneven steps can be an early indicator
of cognitive decline, affecting spatial awareness and motor skills.
6. Trouble Finding Familiar Places
Spatial disorientation is a common symptom of
dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease. Individuals may find it
increasingly difficult to navigate familiar environments, such as their
neighborhood or workplace. This symptom underscores the profound impact of
dementia on memory and spatial cognition.
Recognizing changes in walking patterns as
potential signs of dementia is crucial for early intervention and management.
While these symptoms may start subtly, their presence requires attention,
especially in older adults or those at higher risk, says Dr Aditya Gupta,
Director of Neurosurgery and Cyberknife at Artemis Hospital Gurugram.
Seeking medical evaluation and
support can help in determining the underlying cause and implementing
appropriate care strategies. By staying informed and vigilant, we can better
support individuals affected by dementia and improve their quality of life.