This may be stating the obvious, but have the medics checked for other underlying pathologies that might explain both the initial fall and the subsequent functional decline? A urinary tract infection or similar infection with systemic implications can be enough to knock an already vulnerable person off their feet. Toxicity secondary to faecal impaction can do likewise. UTIs are more common that usual in elders who don't drink enough for fear of incontinence or accidents. Faecal impaction is fairly common in elders whose mobility is restricted. It's also possible that there may have been significant changes in her diet with the life changes brought by the disease so she may not be adequately nourished, with systemic effects. I suppose these have already been checked as she'll surely have been given the once-over by the doctors when she was x-rayed, but I guess it's worth saying. Sometimes doctors tend not to investigate quite as thoroughly as they might when the patient is elderly and already has dementia.

Cheers,
Mike


On Wednesday, Dec 17, 2003, at 14:32 Europe/London, Ron Carson wrote:


Hello Claire:

I agree with you. As such, I palpated the clients hip and she shows no signs
of pain. She does have intact pain response because I accidently pinched her
the other day and she just about hit me.


I forgot to mention that there is also the strong possibility that the
client is experiencing TIA's.


Ron

=======================================================
On Wednesday, December 17, 2003, @ 9:25 AM, you wrote:

CS> Hi Ron
CS> Impacted hip fractures can be really hard to detect on x-ray and
CS> can often be incredibly painful for the individual, even though they can
CS> actually be quite anatomically stable.
CS> all good wishes
CS> Claire


[EMAIL PROTECTED] 12/17/03 02:15pm >>>

CS> Wow....I have seen such things before in people with progressive
CS> neuro disease.....it is hard to pin it on progression per say, because
CS> it seems unlikely that there would be an immediate and drastic decline
CS> overnight....question: was there any physical trauma (i.e. fracture or
CS> anything that required medication or surgical intervention)? It could
CS> be the medication. Also, my belief is that sometimes trauma causes a
CS> stress to the system that then "causes" a more rapid decline....it has
CS> been hypothesized that numerous neurodegenerative diseases respond to
CS> stress.
CS> David A. Lehman, PhD, PT
CS> Associate Professor
CS> Tennessee State University
CS> Department of Physical Therapy
CS> 3500 John A. Merritt Blvd.
CS> Nashville, TN 37209
CS> 615-963-5946
CS> [EMAIL PROTECTED]





CS> -----Original Message----- CS> From: Ron Carson [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] CS> Sent: Wednesday, December 17, 2003 8:01 AM CS> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] CS> Subject: [OTnow] Help with Client


CS> Hello:


CS> I am working with a client who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease
CS> approximately 7 years ago. She has shown a steady decline in occupational
CS> independence during the years but she has shown a significant decline in the
CS> past month.


CS> The family is 100% dedicated to keeping their mother at home.

CS> The family reports, that about three weeks ago, the client was walking
CS> in/out of the home with SBA. While outside, the client fell, apparently when
CS> striking at a caregiver. Since her fall, she has shown tremendous decline in
CS> her ability to walk, stand and transfer. Prior to the fall, the client would
CS> stand in the bathroom while the family cared for hygiene. To day, the client
CS> required max assist (X2) to stand. The possibility of a hip injury/fracture
CS> remains, but all orthopedic x-rays were negative.


CS> The questions I have are:

CS> 1. What are the likely causes of the client's recent decline:

CS> a. Normal progression of the disease

CS> b. Fear of falling/standing secondary to recent fall


CS> 2. Based on the above, or any other plausible explanations, what treatment
CS> approaches will best facilitate this client to be able to increase her
CS> participation in toileting and transfers.


CS> Thanks,

CS> Ron

CS> P.S. I am seeing the client today and Friday and plan to make a decision
CS> about which direction to take our remaining therapy. Should we continue
CS> working on remediation of underlying issues or begin adaptive strategies to
CS> decrease the family's burden and promote the client's safety





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