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Alzheimer´s Disease International (ADI) is the International Federation of Alzheimer associations around the world, which vision is “prevention, care and inclusion today, and cure tomorrow” Every September, the Federation holds World Alzheimer´s Month, a campaign to raise awareness and challenge the stigma that surrounds dementia

People who suffer from Alzheimer´s are likely to lose elasticity, sensitivity , stability and plantar fat pad thickness . They are also prone to have a poor venous return and collapsed foot arches . Moreover, Alzheimer´s patients tend to walk unstable.

Alzheimer´s has a really harmful impact in foot care. In fact, according to different studies, 89% of people with Alzheimer´s will suffer from problems in their feet and nearly 70% of them wear inappropriate footwear. For reasons like these, they sometimes require a treatment with foot orthoses to reduce the risk of fall and bone breaks.

Alzheimer´s collective, represents one of the most vulnerable population as the neurodegenerative diseases represent the third cause of disability worldwide.

How to keep a good foot health in people with Alzheimer´s? 10 foot care tips:

1. Comfortable shoes:

   Using an adequate footwear: wearing shoes which help to walk more comfortable and safety. Moreover, the podiatrist could suggest the most suitable shoes for the patient, according to his walking pattern, to reduce foot and ankle soreness and increase the balance.

2. Examinating the footwear:

   The carer should examinate the interior of the shoes before putting them to ensure that there is not a stone or tiny object which might cause an injury. Sometimes, the impossibility of expressing that there is a pain or the impossibility of feeling them, can cause serious injuries and the patient may not realize it

3. Say No to barefooting:

   Do not allow them walking barefoot.

4. Using socks:

   Wearing socks reduces the skin lacerations and decrease the sweat.

5. Good nail trimming:

   Cutting the nail adequately; it is much better to trim the nails as straight as possible to avoid ingrown toe nails and infections

6. Say No to corn plasters:

   Do not use chemical plasters or blades to treat hard or dry skin: it may cause skin wounds or ulcers. If these appear, you should ask your podiatrist to have them treated

7. Moisturising the feet:

   It is highly advisable to use a cream with Urea 10-30% concentration as it will improve skin elasticity and reduce the risk of injury caused by pressure or rubbing. You should also avoid applying the cream between the toes (unless your GP prescribed a specific cream for it)

8. Skin inspection:

   Washing the feet with lukewarm water, drying and examinating them daily; inspect meticulosly all the foot skin to detect any irregularity. Some serious foot afections like wounds, viral or micotic infections may not manifest as as painful.

9. Protecting feet from cold and heat:

   Avoid using direct sources of heating (electric heater/brazier) on the feet and legs as the circulation may get worse. Avoid applying hot packs either on the feet because the lack of sensivity and the impossibility of complaining effectively can cause scald. If during the night the patient got cold feet , it would be a good idea to use woolen socks .

10. Visiting the podiatrist regularly:

    The loss of cognitive and sensory abilities may lead any injury to an ulcer , infection or further complications if these are not treated soon by a professional.
    
    

I collaborated for 8 years with a local Alzheimer´s association. From a personal and professional perspective, the experience about working with the users of an Alzheimer´s Day centre was great and really enriching.

Remember, do not forget your loved ones. They need all your support.

Let´s make their feet resilient.

Ivan Maestre. Podiatrist. Resilient Foot