If you don't know about NPH, please read this

NPH stands for Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus.

Diagnosis of NPH is often difficult due to the symptoms being similar to other disorders.  In many cases the NPH is thought to be mild dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's or simply old age therefore, it often goes completely unrecognized.

It is estimated that 400,000 persons in Nursing Homes have this disorder and are improperly diagnosed. 

NPH patients usually exhibit:

• Gait disturbance (difficulty walking)
• Dementia or forgetfulness
• Urinary incontinence (bladder control)

*Note that not all symptoms are always apparent or present at the same time.

Here is a link to a video of a person's gait with NPH.

NPH is treatable with the implant of a surgical shunt.  These patients do not improve with Physical Therapy intervention.  

In my over 15 years of practice, I can recall 3 patients who presented with these symptoms and were not diagnosed.  Two have passed and the other is my Grandfather.  Currently, I am in the process of learning more about this disease and getting him to the correct doctor. 

The following website has information and a link to doctor's who specialize in this area:

www.lifenph.com