Video Tips: What is Paratonia?

@belightcare #dementia #paratonia #alzheimers #physicaltherapy #pt #ot#cota #pta #occupationaltherapy click here to see what paratonia is: @belightcare ♬ Lofi – Domknowz

When someone with dementia is resisting when you’re trying to help them, it actually might be paratonia.

Passive movement occurs when someone is lifting your arm without you engaging at all. Paratonia is defined as active resistance against passive movement. It is a reflex in late-stage dementia, and often cannot be controlled.

Ironically, someone with paratonia can often stand up and walk alone using active movement. The difficulty is only when passive movement is used.

Click here to learn more about how paratonia works from dementia consultant Adria Thompson.

Then watch her follow-up video for tips on how to move someone with paratonia by causing him or her to want to actively move.