Journal of Alzheimers Disease & Parkinsonism
Open Access

Abstract

There are a huge number of ways to intervene and act in dementia care but occupational therapy focuses its goals with three highlighted domains: The maintenance of function and autonomy, including cognitive functions, the management of behaviors that affect to the person and his family/caregivers and the reduction of limitations related to the activities of daily living (ADL). Each of these three areas tries to achieve a better quality of life and well-being of the person with dementia which may in turn impact the well-being of those providing care. We look at the evidence for the effectiveness of interventions designed to enhance and increase functioning, intervention is important both for the person with dementia and caregivers. Not only cognitive symptoms are important, the link between cognitive symptoms and the maintenance of day to day function is also a key, it should be the eventual goal. The potential of non-pharmacological interventions in dementia care would include the day to day interaction of caregivers with the person with dementia, the physical and social environment and all type of informal therapies. As occupational therapists we can provide different kinds of interventions depending on the needs and features of the person affected and their family/caregivers, the intervention is going to be always focused on the person and their environment. The aim of promoting independence can be achieved by developing different strategies or interventions related to communication, activities of daily living, activity planning, assistive technology, adaptative aids, environmental modifications, etc.

Biography

Email: lunabegfernandez@gmail.com