[franz546]

My mother is 87 years old and she shuffles her feet when she walks. Someone told me that is a sign of dimentia. Is this true ?

[smoothy]

I think its more of a balance issue than anything.

[tickle]

No Franz, your mom shuffling her feet is not a sign of dementia. The signs are mental not physical. She probably has a touch of arthritis so moving around does not include complete leg motions we normally use when walking.

Signs of dementia include loss of memory, particularly for recent events, confusion, apathy, withdrawal and the loss of ability to do everyday tasks. Does she have any of these symptoms ? If she does, she should be seeing a good geriatric doctor. There are meds now that can help this condition, either forestall it, but not completely stop it.

Dementia is a terrible condition for an older individual along with family members as well. Keep talking to her and asking questions about her early childhood, her marriage, things she likes to do; in other words spend time with her helping her to remember.

Tick