Is your mother, father, or the elderly person you love not the same as before? Has he/she stopped talking, stopped walking, and is always tired? This slow, slow-moving speech, slow walking, or constant tiredness and weakness is called ataxia. Many people with Alzheimer's disease experience this condition. It is normal for you to feel sad and scared when you see this. But don't worry. Let's see what the reasons are and what we can do about it.
Why is activity decreasing like this?
In fact, there are many reasons why someone with dementia, especially Alzheimer's disease, may become less active. The most important thing is to see your loved one's doctor first if they are feeling unwell. It could be a sign of another condition.
Pay special attention to these symptoms below.
| Symptoms to watch out for |
|---|
| Runny nose or sneezing |
| Sudden change in behavior or confusion |
| Telling about a headache or body ache |
| Difficulty breathing or coughing |
| Stomach pain, vomiting, or diarrhea |
| Any kind of bleeding |
Also, if you can, check their vital signs. That means things like fever, blood pressure, and pulse rate. If these are significantly different from their normal values, definitely call the doctor.
Other possible reasons for decreased activity
Sometimes this can be more of a psychological issue than a physical one. People with Alzheimer's disease are at risk of developing depression, which is also a major cause of decreased activity.
Symptoms of depression include sleeping too much or not sleeping enough, losing interest in daily activities, or eating too much. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to talk to your doctor.
In addition to these things, the table below lists several other reasons that can lead to decreased activity.
| Reason | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| Physical discomfort | Difficulty walking, seeing, or hearing. |
| Fear of pain | Fear of having pain in the body or of feeling pain if you walk or do something. |
| Other illnesses | Chronic conditions such as congestive heart failure, a new infection, or dehydration. |
| Difficulty starting work | In Alzheimer's disease, it can be difficult to start a task on your own without guidance. Also, if the task becomes overwhelming, it can become overwhelming and reduce motivation. |
| Medicines | Some medications used for sleep, pain, anxiety, and other mental illnesses can also cause increased fatigue. |
What can we do?
Whatever the reason, there are many things you can do to help your loved one.
If they are bored or lonely
Remind them of the things they used to love to do and add some simple activities like that to their day.
- Take him for a short walk.
- They like to listen to an old song together, or sing it.
- Look through an old photo album. These things will help bring back memories and bring joy to their hearts.
If they feel tired quickly
- Don't rush anything. Let them work at their own pace.
- Avoid taking them to crowded, noisy, and unfamiliar places.
- Don't involve them in tasks that take a long time and involve a lot of people.
- After any activity, give them enough time to rest.
If you have difficulty walking or are afraid of falling
- Make your home environment safe. Make sure your home is well lit. Install handrails. Remove unnecessary items from walking areas and keep them clean.
- Talk to a physical therapist or occupational therapist about ways to help them move around safely. You can ask your doctor about this.
- When lifting them, hold them by their armpits. Avoid pulling them with your arms.
If it looks like there is pain
- Use a pain reliever that your doctor has prescribed. If you are giving a medicine like acetaminophen, follow the directions on the label exactly. Don't give more than 3,000 milligrams a day. If they have liver disease, be sure to ask your doctor before giving them medicine.
- If the pain is severe or persistent, let your doctor know.
Problems caused by staying in one place for too long
If your loved one sits or lies in the same position for too long, it can lead to other health problems. The main ones are constipation and pressure ulcers . These are also called bedsores.
The places where these injuries are most likely to occur are:
| Posture | Places where injuries can occur |
|---|---|
| While lying down in the same position | Under the shoulders, hip bones, tailbone, and heels. |
| While sitting in the same position | Buttock area, hip bones, and possibly elbows. |
These types of injuries can develop within a few hours. To prevent this, change their position at least every two hours. Move them around frequently. Avoid having them sit or lie on hard surfaces. Check their skin daily for redness or bruising.
If you notice any redness or soreness where your bones press against the bed or chair (e.g., heels, hips, shoulders), notify your doctor immediately.
Take-Home Message
- A variety of factors can contribute to a person with Alzheimer's becoming less active, from a simple illness to depression or side effects of medication.
- Talk to their doctor first and always to find out if there are any other medical problems.
- With patience and love, engage them in simple activities that they can enjoy. Don't tire them out.
- Make your home environment safe to prevent falls.
- If they are inactive, always be aware of pain and pressure sores. Your concern is their greatest strength.
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