Dementia

Presentation by
Brittany Robinson
&
Marli VanLake

What is Dementia
Dementia is an umbrella term for a group of
cognitive disorders that affect:

Memory
Logic and reasoning
ADLs
Abstract thinking
Decision making
Learning

Statistics
Today 35.6 million people suffer from dementia
WHO reports that persons suffering within 18 years
from dementia will double to 65.7 million and triple
by the year 2050
(2007) 3.4 million Americas aged 71 years and
older
14% have dementia
9.7% (2.4 million) have Alzheimer's
1 in 8 American Adults have Alzheimer's








10 Facts on Dementia
1. Dementia is not a normal part of aging
2. 35.6 People live with dementia
3. A new case of dementia is diagnosed every 4
seconds
4. Creates huge economic impact; US $ 604 billion per
year
5. Caregivers experience high strain
6. Early diagnosis improves quality of life for everyone
involved
7. People with dementia and their families are often
discriminated against
8. Awareness and advocacy are needed
9. More research and evaluation is required
10. Dementia is a public health priority

Causes of Dementia
Alzheimer's Disease
Disease of the brain
Most common form of dementia
Progressive stages
Lewy Bodies
Proteins deposits in the nerve cells of the brain
Progressive in nature (affects motor movement)
Vascular Disease
Lack of blood flow to the brain (stroke)





Biological Aspects
Dementia affects the brain in various
ways.
Our brain is made up of many nerve cells that
work together and are specialized in sending
messages to each other.
Individuals with dementia can lose their cells
ability to communicate with each other and will
eventually die.
When communication is lost the brain becomes
unable to function in its usual way and cognitive
impairment appears.

Biological Aspects cont.
Proteins, which are a vital part of our
bodies, are also affected by dementia.
They play apart in the movement of our
muscles and food digestion.
In dementia, there is an excessive buildup
of proteins in the brain which change the
structural component of the brain.
The brain is responsible for a lot of our
body functions and dementia destroys it.

Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6q-
H1-XwCZA
Psychological Aspects
There are a lot of psychological
changes in a person with dementia
such as:
Changes in mood
Agitation
Anxiety
Depression
Aggression
Delusions
Repetitious behavior
Restlessness


Sociological Aspects
Individuals with dementia experience
different sociological issues
They may feel some embarrassment,
especially if they have lived a very
independent and active life before
They may feel some frustration because
they want to continue to do things for
themselves but they cannot.
Dementia and the family
The family of the person with dementia suffer a
great deal.
the aggressive behaviors, the noncooperation,
anger, and many other factors can affect the
family in various ways. They may feel:
Grief
Loss
Guilt
Isolation
Exhaustion
As the dementia gets worse they are challenged to
come to terms with the fact the person is no longer
themselves anymore.


Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MD
C1us0nr4c
Implication for TR/RT
Treatment
Treatment approach should be based
on individual cases
Medications, environment, culture,
economic status, and social support
should be considered
Emphasis on quality of life, well-being,
and promotion of independent living
Typical Treatment Goals for
TR/RT



Maintain or Improve Cognitive
Functioning
Maintain or Improve Optimal Physical
Functioning
Improve Behavioral Management
Enhance Social Interaction
Considerations for Cognitive
Treatment Approaches

Limited ability to communicate effectively
Loss of short-term or long-term memory
Decreased Logic, reasoning, and comprehension

What Can TR/RT s Do?
Provide cognitive stimulation for enjoyment
Cognitive training that includes repetition, learning
strategies, all that are tailored to the individual



Considerations for Physical
Treatment Approaches

Evaluate slow gait, hand grip, gross muscle
movements, swallowing, and weight change

What can TR/RT s Do?

TR/RT provide interventions according to the
needs and strengths of patient to enhance quality
of independent lifestyle
Considerations for Behavioral
Treatment Approaches

Can be extremely challenging because patient my
feel; frightened, humiliated, frustrated, eroded
judgment, decreased awareness of surrounding, or
boredom
Also agitation, aggression, and confusion are worth
noting
What can TR/RTs Do?
Make desirable environment
Use specific activities that interest the patient
Use variety of intervention techniques

Considerations for Social
Treatment Approaches

Social Isolation may occur
Loss of belonging
Lead to emotional or mood disorders
What can TR/RTs do?

Build relationships, social support, and a community to
give a sense of belonging
Social interaction may help motivate patients to
demonstrate skills, talents, or memories
Build support system to enable leisure lifestyle and
quality of life

Sample Activity Interventions
Exercise
Chair Zumba,
Wheel chair biking,
Walking
Board Games
Scrabble
Yahtzee
Kings on the Corner
Cooking
Baking cookies
Following a receipt




Sample Activity Interventions
Cont
Reminisce
Trivia
Looking at pictures
Word Scrambles
Pet-Therapy
Playing Catch
Grooming
Petting
Sensory Intervention
Lighting
Music
Sing-A-Longs



Activity
Adaptations/Modifications


Break down activity into simplified
tasks and eliminate tasks that are too
difficult
Modify Environment
Promote Safety and Independence
and Fun
Activity
Adaptation/Modification
Examples of Adaptations:
Games
BINGO; fewer numbers or spaces
Assistive Technology/Adaptive aids
Large grip utensils
Wheelchairs/walkers
Memory Aids
Schedules of daily routines
Environmental
Visual prompts, lighting, structural changes



Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOo
9OOL46CU