Walking differently: short, shuffling steps, freezing in place

My wife has started taking very short steps, shuffles her feet, and sometimes gets 'stuck' to the floor when entering doorways. Should I be concerned?

Changes in gait — short steps, shuffling feet, hesitation at doorways, the feeling of being 'stuck' to the floor (known as freezing) — are common in various dementias and require double attention: they greatly increase the risk of falls, and when they appear early or suddenly, they can guide the diagnosis.

Reducing risk at home

Clear pathways: loose rugs, wires, and low furniture are traps. Good lighting throughout the route (including at night, with nightlights), closed-toe shoes with non-slip soles — never loose slippers — and handrails where there are steps. In areas of hesitation (doorways, changes in flooring), contrasting coloured tape on the floor helps the brain to 'see' the way.

Helping in the moment

If she gets stuck, do not pull: give a rhythm. Counting aloud ('one, two, one, two'), marching beside her, or asking her to 'take a step as if you're climbing a stair' often unblocks the freezing. Walking arm-in-arm, at her pace, is safer than pushing from the front or behind.

Speak to her GP: gait changes can have treatable causes (medication, pain, vision problems) and, in some cases, indicate specific types of dementia that benefit from their own management. Also ask if physiotherapy is recommended — maintaining the ability to walk is one of the best ways to maintain independence.