1. Making Quality of Life the Key Component with Alzheimer’s Disease

2. 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.

3. Scientific Location

4. Brain Analysis

5. Stages Stage 1 – Stage 3 = No to Mild impairment Stage – 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Greater difficulty performing complex task such as paying bills Forgetfulness of self-history Becoming moody or withdrawn Stage 5 = Moderately severe decline (Moderate or mild stage of Alzheimer’s disease) Unable to recall own address Confused about where they are Counting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

6. 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

7. Music Perception and Cooking Listening to music/tasting cakes while listening to varies songs Given musical instruments/preparing a cake Outcomes Music stimulation having long-term effects Able to express feelings through facial expressions during activities of daily living while listening to music Reduce burden on caregivers Enhanced quality of life

8. 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

9. Physical Activity Modest physical activity of choice involving step counting Outcomes Mild to moderate difference Could prolong effects of dementia

10. Educational program Program designed for both participant/caregiver Education on the progression of disease Record daily activities Outcome Better communication Quality of life improved

11. 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

12. Memory Triggers Knitting tools from the past Homemade personal items Outcome Certain tools recalled previous employment history Personal items unidentified Identification of quality

13. 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

14. 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.

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