impairments - Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia Message Board

kimberlylynn · 02-14-2001, 10:07 PM

I am very new to this topic, but I am curious, do those who have alzheimers have physical impairments? do they lose the skills they need to tie their shoes, or write their name, or get dressed? my mommom seems to be in the early stages but she hasn't been officially diagnosed and I am very curious. thank you in advance.

Sweetie · 02-15-2001, 12:31 PM

Although I'm not an expert on the subject my Grandma was diagnosed with Alzheimers about 5 years ago, so I can only speak from personal experience. Yes, she has lost some skills of daily living. Getting dressed requires ALOT of direction and redirection and some things she simply can no longer do. For example, while eating she has to be reminded not to take too big a forkful and to blow on it when it's hot, but she can still feed herself. I imagine that too will end one day. She can no longer tie her shoes and at times she is incontinent. This is a progressive disease so her condition will continue to deteriorate. I hope this helps answer your question. As far as getting a diagnosis, I was told that there is not a test to tell you if you have it. They can only rule out everything else. Take care!

Sweetie