Problems with movement, position, and posture are common features of dementia. Specific symptoms may depend on the type of dementia.
People typically associate dementia with cognitive symptoms, such as memory loss, attention problems, and confusion. But as research advances, there’s also growing awareness of the physical signs of dementia.
Some common physical signs of dementia include problems with stability, muscle control, and posture. This article explores common symptoms of dementia posturing and tips for managing them.
Posture refers to both how you move and how you hold your body when you’re not moving. For example, maintaining a standing position requires strength, stability, and coordination, even if the effort is unconscious.
Not only that, but your body also relies on a number of sensory systems that help you detect your position and move in your environment. These include the visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive systems.
Dementia can lead to physical postures that affect the body negatively, although the symptoms depend on both the type and stage of dementia and the affected parts of the brain. Here are some signs and symptoms associated with dementia posturing:
- falls
- freezing
- muscle weakness
- difficulties with balance and coordination
- repetitive movements
- restlessness
- shuffling walk
- slow or jerky movements
- stooping
- swaying
- tremors
What types of dementia cause posturing?
Some of the most common types of dementia known to cause posture issues include:
- Alzheimer’s disease (AD): Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia, affecting as many as
6.9 million people in the United States. A 2017 systematic review links Alzheimer’s to postural instability. - Lewy body dementia (LBD): Motor symptoms associated with LBD sometimes resemble those of Parkinson’s disease and can include stooping, rigid movements, and shuffling, among others.
- Frontotemporal dementia (FTD): FTD refers to several types of dementia that affect the frontotemporal lobes of the brain. Certain FTD subtypes can cause motor symptoms such as muscle spasms, weakness, and rigid movements.
- Vascular dementia (VD): VD often develops in people with prior strokes. Symptoms can vary, but some people with VD experience unsteadiness when walking.
Some forms of dementia, such as AD, LBD, and FTD, are linked to proteins that accumulate in the brain at unusually high levels. These abnormal masses damage nerve cells and impair nervous system communication, causing parts of the brain to shrink in size (atrophy).
In people with AD specifically, there may be a link between postural instability and loss of volume in a part of the brain called the nucleus accumbens, according to the authors of a 2017 study.
The nucleus accumbens has many functions, some of which are not fully understood. However, it serves as an important connection between emotional and behavioral inputs and the motor system.
In LBD and FTD, postural symptoms may be related to atrophy in the brainstem, midbrain, and basal ganglia, all of which are involved in movement.
VD has a different cause: It’s typically associated with a history of cardiovascular disease and strokes. In VD, brain regions that do not receive adequate blood flow may start to atrophy, and specific symptoms depend on the affected regions.
Dementia is a progressive condition, which means it gets worse over time. In general, movement and posture issues caused by dementia also worsen over time.
But subtle problems with movement may also be among the first signs of dementia. The authors of a
A wide range of dementia treatments are available, including medication, lifestyle changes, and complementary therapies. Following a treatment plan should help with posture symptoms.
One specific treatment that could improve dementia posturing is exercise, according to the authors of a
After analyzing eight studies that used physical activity to improve postural instability among people with Alzheimer’s, the researchers reported that exercise may help improve stability and reduce the risk of falls, but more high quality studies are needed.
Tips for caregivers regarding dementia posturing
Exercise is good for much more than just posture. According to the
If you care for someone with dementia, you might find it difficult to incorporate physical activity into your day-to-day routine. Here are some tips:
- Keep it simple: Opt for easy and enjoyable activities such as going for a walk, playing with kids, dancing, or gardening.
- Make it part of your routine: If possible, set aside 30 minutes each day for light exercise.
- Provide encouragement: Help the person feel a sense of success by offering words of encouragement.
- Give them agency: Try to avoid stepping in if they experience setbacks or frustration.
- Do it together: Have them watch you do the activity or do it together. Inviting other family members or friends can make the activity more fun.
Dementia can affect posture, but the symptoms depend on the type of dementia. For example, Alzheimer’s is often associated with postural instability, while Lewy body dementia can cause a stooped or hunched posture.
Dementia can also cause other motor symptoms that affect your posture, such as slowed movements, muscle rigidity, and weakness. These symptoms are usually progressive, which means they get worse over time.
Regular exercise can help with dementia posturing. If you have dementia or you care for someone who does, ask a healthcare professional to learn more about what you can do to improve posture.