A Physical Therapist’s Role in the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease
A Physical Therapist’s Role in the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease
Michael Zagare, PT
The goal is to maintain the highest quality of life that a person can have in any stage of Alzheimer's disease. Key elements of rehabilitation include: maintaining good strength, flexibility, posture, coordination, reducing the risk of falls, gait training, communication strategies, and patient/family instruction.
Therapeutic exercise- Exercise contributes to good health and stimulates normal body functions. Routine daily exercise is critical to the successful management of Alzheimer's disease. Through my experience, I have seen that exercise positively influences the body and the mind of the patient as well as the caretaker. It can also help to reduce depression, improve behavior, decrease falls, and prevent bone loss.
Patient and Family Instruction- Treatment strategies for effective communication for a patient with Alzheimer's disease is crucial. Simple strategies such as using the person’s first name, providing simple un-rushed instructions, and utilizing a quiet and familiar room will most likely help provide effective communication. A physical therapist will also educate the family and caretakers on important issues such as transferring/lifting, modification of environment, and assistance with ADL’s.
Gait and Balance training-Treating the underlying cause of gait or balance disturbances is very important for patients with Alzheimer's disease. Testing will help to determine the cause and help tailor the treatment based on each individual. Several important treatment strategies have to be taken depending on the person. These strategies may include adjusting adaptive equipment, footwear considerations, postural education, developing a fall prevention program, review of medications, and general exercise.
Other considerations- Other treatment options for patients with Alzheimer's disease may also include: preventing pressure ulcers, treating urinary incontinence, working on specific activities of daily living such as eating and dressing, and adapting the home environment to the individual’s needs and lifestyle.
Distinctive home physical therapy is proud to be the official onsite providers of the Long Island Alzheimer’s Foundation!
For Quality physical therapy and rehabilitation for the aging and the elderly give us a call!
Michael Zagare, MSPT
Physical Therapist
Physical Therapy and Senior Rehabilitation
Are you aware that a loved one is at risk of a fall?
Is someone that you know homebound due to pain?
Give us a call! We specialize in Senior physical therapy services and rehabilitation. All that is needed is a physical therapy prescription and we accept medicare!
Long Island Alzheimer's Foundation Respite Program
Getting out of a car the safe way!
First make sure the car is parked so that there is not an unsafe gap between the car and the curb. This will make it easier and safer to perform the transfer.
Step 1) Remove seatbelt of you’re not going anywhere!
Step 2) Open door and bring legs to the outside of the car, your aide can give you some assistance if needed.
Step 3) Use a handybar device if needed to help get out of the car. A handybar device can be purchased on amazon.com and helps seniors easily get out of a car. This device latches onto the frame of the car making it much easier to help lift yourself up.
Step 4) Patient to place left hand on dashboard and the right hand on handybar device. If you don’t have this device use the door frame.
Step 5) The provider will place their right hand on the patients left hand ( either on the handybar device or car door frame). The providers left hand to be placed near the individuals head to prevent them from hitting their head while standing up.
Step 6) Slowly stand up- wait a second, and then proceed!
Mike Zagare aka “Mike the PT”
Distinctive Home Physical Therapy
Transferring into the car the SAFE way!
Here is how to help your patient get into a car
Step 1) Adjust the car seat so that there is plenty of space to perform the transfer
Step 2) Make sure that there is plenty of space between the car and the curb to prevent a patient from falling off the curb
Step 3) Help Guide the patient to the car, always back up slowly until the patients legs hit the car seat!
Step 4) Have your patient reach back with their left arm to the dashboard and their right arm to the head rest
Step 5) Put your hand over their head to prevent hitting their head as they slowly descend into the seat
Step 6) Help them bring their legs into the proper position
Don’t Forget to wear a seatbelt!!
More to come, if anyone has any physical therapy related questions please feel free to ask me.
Mike Zagare aka “Mike the PT”
Distinctive Home Physical Therapy