I took my husband away to Italy for 3 nights. He has vascular dementia plus Alzheimers, diagnosed 3 years ago. He coped really well until catching the bus to airport. I was telling him to keep close to me. He was pulling a suitcase when he suddenly stopped at a zebra type crossing - he could not move forwards and he looked horrified. He then keeled over backwards and hit his head on the pavement. It was literally straight onto his back as if he was rigid. After a few moments he was able to say his name and I managed to get him upright with the help of 2 kind men and we were able to catch the bus to the airport. He has been his usual self since then. He is 60 and has never done this before - has anyone experienced this type of situation? It was terrifying as I couldn't get to him in time to protect him from falling. I'm now worried it will happen again. It seemed to be the black and white striped paving and perhaps my constant calling him to keep beside me that set it off.