Cv2, I do not recognize the symptoms you describe as a result of dementia. My wife, an advanced ALZ patient, did not have any of the symptoms causing problems for your husband.

I, however, have recently been diagnosed as having Ploymyalgia Rheumatica, an inflammation condition that causes pain in large muscle groups (shoulders and hips). At its worst, I could barely walk. and I could not bend at the waist. Every movement was painful. My thighs were both very stiff and weak. I could only rise from a sitting position by pulling or pushing myself up.

My doctor has me taking Prednisone, a corticosteroid, while blood samples are examined to confirm the preliminary diagnosis.

Cv2 I’m so sorry you are having to deal with this. I’m sure it is very difficult to manage.
In the later stages, muscles can become stiff. They may also not be able to smile, hold their head up and May have difficulty swallowing.

No, my husband has not had to go thru this although his leg is much weaker now as far as using a walker which is very difficult for him. He pretty much is always in a wheelchair now. I think Robert had some good ideas, best to check out with your doctor I would think.

Does your husband have Lewy body dementia? If so, rigidity is very common with that form of dementia.

My mom also has that problem. I think with her is not remembering how to do it. It takes a lot of coaching. Telling her exactly what to do one step at a time and touching the body part you want to move. A gate belt might help if you are having to use your body a lot. There is a wheelchair/walker caller Nitro that we have. The belt allows you to help pull up and steady.