Making Quality of Life the Key Component with Alzheimer’s

Disease

Objective

This presentation will illustrate evidence-based interventions that prove to be effective techniques that can prolong the

progression of Alzheimer’s disease while increasing the quality

of life doing everyday activities.

Scientific Location

Brain Analysis

Stages

Stage 1 – Stage 3 = No to Mild impairmentStage – 4 = Moderate cognitive decline (Mild to early stage of Alzheimer’s disease) Forgetfulness of recent events Impaired ability to perform challenging mental arithmetic Greater difficulty performing complex task such as paying bills Forgetfulness of self-history Becoming moody or withdrawnStage 5 = Moderately severe decline (Moderate or mild stage of Alzheimer’s disease) Unable to recall own address Confused about where they are Counting backwards from 40 Need help with selection of clothing Still remembers some detail about self and family Requires no assistance with eating, toileting

Stages Cont.

Stage 6 = Severe Decline(Moderately severe or mid stage Alzheimer’s disease) Can remember their name but no personal history Need help handling details of toileting Tend to wander or become lost Behavior changes Need help with clothing management

Stage 7 = Very Severe Decline Individuals need help with most of their daily routines (eating, toileting,

clothing..) May need support with sitting, swallowing impaired, muscles rigid

Music Perception and Cooking

Listening to music/tasting cakes while listening to varies songs

Given musical instruments/preparing a cake

 

OutcomesMusic stimulation having long-term effectsAble to express feelings through facial expressions during

activities of daily living while listening to musicReduce burden on caregiversEnhanced quality of life

Recommendations:

Environment changes, caregiver approach, community-based assistance

Outcomes Significant changes in behavior Burden of caring with positive effects Maintained or increased ADL’s abilities

Physical Activity

Modest physical activity of choice involving step counting

Outcomes Mild to moderate difference Could prolong effects of dementia

Educational program

Program designed for both participant/caregiver Education on the progression of disease Record daily activities

Outcome Better communication Quality of life improved

Yoga

Stretching routine through Yoga 46 poses Breathing techniques

Outcome No significant difference Increase in depression with stage 5 participants More influential with ADL’s at stage 4

Memory Triggers

Knitting tools from the past Homemade personal items

Outcome Certain tools recalled previous employment history Personal items unidentified Identification of quality

Equine (Horses)

Education on grooming the horse Interactions with horse American Indian and painting

Outcome There was no clear pattern on engagement Significant difference in higher functioning participants on

day of farm intervention A reduction in behavioral problems post intervention

Why the need for Occupational Therapy

Quality of life is created through our daily routines and memories we cherish. With the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, those memories become lost. OT’s can make a difference by creating innovative interventions that can prolong the progression to increase the quality of life. We need to continue to advocate for the profession to assist with the future growing numbers.

References

Clement,S., Tonini,A., Khatir,F., Schiaratura,L., Samson,S., (2009). Short and Longer Term Effects of Musical Intervention in Severe Alzheimer’s Disease. Music Perception, 29(5), 533-541. doi:10.1525/MP.2012.29.5.533 Dooley, N. R., & Hinojosa, J. (2004). Improving quality of life for persons with Alzheimer’s disease and their family caregivers: Brief occupational therapy intervention. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 58, 561–569. doi:10.5014/ajot.58.5.561 Lautenschlager, N.T., Cox, K.L, Flicker, L., Foster, J.K., van Bockxmeer, F.M., Xiao, J., Greenop, K.R., Almeida, O.P. (2008). Effect of Physical Activity on Cognitive Function in Older Adults at Risk for Alzheimer Disease. 300(9), 1027-1037. doi: 10.1001/jama.300.9.1027 Villars, H., Gardette, V., Perrin, A,. Hein, C., Elmalem, S., de Peretti, E., Sueras, A., Vellas, B., Nourhashemi, F. (2013). Randomized controlled trial to evaluate the impact of an educational programme on Alzheimer’s disease patients’ quality of life. Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy, 6:66. doi: 10.1186/s13195-014-0066-1 Litchke, L.G., Hodges, J.S., Reardon, R.F. (2012). Benefits of Chair Yoga for Persons with Mild to Severe Alzheimer’s Disease. Activities, Adaptation & Aging, 36,317-328. doi: 10.1080/01924788.2012.729185 Pollanen, S.H. & Hirsimaki, R.M. (2014). Craft as Memory Triggers in Reminiscence: A Case Study of Older Women with Dementia. Occupational Therapy in Health Care, 28 (4),410-430. doi: 10.3109/07380577.2014.941052 Dabelko-Schoeny,H., Phillips, G., Darrough, E., DeAnna, S., Harden, M., Johnson, D., Lorch, G. (2014). Equine-Assisted Intervention for People with Dementia. Anthrozoos, 27(1), 141-155. doi: 10.2752/175303714X13837396326611