Restless legs/PSP

[MrClifton12]

My 85 year old mum was diagnosed 4 weeks ago with psp. She's in a nursing home now and seems more comfortable reclined although the staff have a lap belt on her (which she hates) as she has been sliding out of chairs for the last few weeks. Her legs are constantly moving, does anyone have any advice/help or experience of this? It's heartbreaking seeing her like this as she's still self aware but says she can't stop the movement trying to slide out. She has had a rapid decline over the last 3 months, as she was living independently until August.

[Javan]

A tilt in space chair solved this problem for the old bag. Her wheelchair was also tilt in space.

[MrClifton12]

Thanks she is tilted and seems to settle her a bit.

[messier]

Welcome to this forum. I hope you will find it as useful as I did. My mum just died recently but spent 4 years in a nursing home with PSP and CBD.

Is your mum tilted or reclined? Just reclined like standard reclining armchairs is likely to result in sliding out of the chair. She needs to be tilted so that the seat is tipped back too as well as the back being tilted, plus the legs elevated. My mum found this the most comfortable position at a certain stage. If you’re in the UK, I’m selling the wheeled armchair that my mum used on gumtree (see picture) - discount if you quote PSPA! You - or anyone else interested in it - can direct message me using the chat icon at the top of the page.

Tilted wheeled armchair

[MrClifton12 in reply to messier]

Thank you for your reply and sorry for your loss. Mum's tilted back and her legs are raised. She's in a chair similar to your mum's.

[LFG3]

A low dose of Diazepam (Valium) really helped my husband with PSP. For general pain and restlessness. Also a Magnesium may help the restless legs.

[MrClifton12 in reply to LFG3]

Thank you for your reply and will look into this.

[Bergenser]

Restless legs is quite common in PSP, I give my husband Magnesium in the morning and it seems to help (a bit) to reduce twitchy movement and painful cramps while seated. I've not worked out any way to alleviate the more "spastic" leg movements that some times ruin sleep at night.

[MrClifton12 in reply to Bergenser]

Thank you for your reply, I will try this to see if it helps mum.

[eaglet in reply to Bergenser]

I am in the US and in a state where Marijuana u se is ok.s o I take an edible of indica before bedtime which helps with my restless legs

[MrClifton12 in reply to eaglet]

Thank you but not sure could give mum unfortunately. Take care

[anniesfirst]

Even prior to a PSP diagnosis, my Mom suffered from restless leg syndrome. It very much disrupted her sleep. She takes a medication to address it, Ropinirole.

[MrClifton12 in reply to anniesfirst]

Thank you, I'm going to see if her doctor can prescribe something.