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
Long Island Alzheimer's Foundation Respite Program
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Link Between Alzheimer's, Down Syndrome and Atherosclerosis
ScienceDaily (Jan. 15, 2010) - Nearly 20 years ago Huntington Potter kicked up a storm of controversy with the idea that Down syndrome and Alzheimer's were the same disease. Now the evidence is in: He was right.
And that's not all. Down syndrome, artery-clogging cardiovascular disease, and possibly even diabetes, appear to share a common disease mechanism with Alzheimer's disease, Dr. Potter and colleagues at the Florida Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Institute, recently reported.
The researchers' two papers -- one in Molecular Biology of the Cell and the other in PLoS One -- implicate the Alzheimer's-associated protein beta amyloid (amyloid protein), which damages the microtubule transport system responsible for moving chromosomes, proteins and other cargo around inside cells. Both studies were done in mice and humans cell cultures modeling Alzheimer's disease. Together, the laboratory discoveries suggest that protecting the microtubule network from this amyloid damage might be an effective way to prevent or even reverse Alzheimer's disease and associated disorders.
For full article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100115182639.htm
30-Second Test Claims to Spot Early Signs of Alzheimer's
Researchers have found that many adults in their 40s show tiny lesions in parts of the brain. Alzheimer's patients typically have lesions in similar parts of the brain, only they are much larger. A simple test of physical reactions and memory could help doctors identify adults with the lesions and so catch potential Alzheimer's sufferers early. The test could be available from general practitioners within two years, the researchers said.
"The study lays open possibilities for screening, early detection and intervention," said Professor David Bunce of Brunel University in London. "The earlier we can intervene with people vulnerable to eventual dementia, the greater the chances of preventing or delaying the disease onset."
For complete article: http://www.aolnews.com/health/article/30-second-test-could-spot-early-signs-of-alzheimers/19714698
Alzheimer's and Your Brain: A New Study
For complete article:
http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2010/09/07/new-alzheimers-study-uncovers-a-surprising-twist/