Suggest Treatment For Unsteady Gait And Urinary Incontinence

Posted on Wed, 4 Nov 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 4 Nov 2015 Answered on

Tue, 24 Nov 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : My husband speaks well and is very social and likes to interact with people. However, he walks now with a wide shuffling gait, has very little short term memory and no directional ability to find familiar locations, in addition he is incontinent at times, frequent urination and can have an immediate Boswell action which he does not make to the bathroom on time. He does not realize it is happening until it is to late. The dr has diagnosed him with Alzheimer's, but I am concerned as he does not wander, nor is angry or aggressive. He wants to interact and socialize. What could the problem be. Should we request further test. He is very verbal and conversant.

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Require examination and investigation by neurologist

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX,
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
Age related memory changes are common.
In case of gait disability and urinary incontinence other causes should be evaluated like normal pressure hydrocephalous.
Brain MRI imaging and CSF manometry may be required.
Other treatable causes of memory loss like hypothyroidism, vitamin B12 deficiency or other metabolic causes should be evaluated.
Features of dementia vary with cause and involvement of particular lobe and behaviour alteration is not necessary.
You should get your husband evaluated and examined by a neurologist and get these investigations.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Regards
Dr Neeraj XXXXXXX
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina