How does Physical Therapy help patients with Dementia?

Many Mobile PT patients are in the initial stages of age-related cognitive decline. Read on to learn more about how they benefit from our care and services.

Dementia is a general term that describes a decline in cognitive function, such as memory loss, impaired judgment, and difficulties with communication, which interferes with daily activities. It is not a specific disease, but rather a syndrome that can be caused by a variety of underlying conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease. While dementia is progressive and often affects older adults, it can occur at any age. The symptoms of dementia can be severe and can significantly impact a person’s ability to function independently. Physical therapy can help!

Physical therapy can help patients with dementia by:

    1. Improving physical coordination and balance: Dementia can affect a person’s ability to move safely and efficiently. Physical therapy can help patients with dementia improve their physical coordination and balance, reducing the risk of falls and other accidents.
    2. Enhancing cognitive function: Physical therapy can help stimulate the brain and improve cognitive function in patients with dementia. This may include exercises and activities that require problem-solving, memory, and attention.
    3. Reducing agitation and anxiety: Patients with dementia may experience agitation and anxiety, which can be challenging to manage. Physical therapy can help reduce stress and promote relaxation through exercises such as deep breathing and gentle stretching.
    4. Promoting social interaction: Physical therapy can provide patients with opportunities for social interaction and engagement, which can improve their overall well-being.

Techniques and treatment:

Physical therapists working with patients with dementia often use techniques such as therapeutic exercise, gait training, and balance training, as well as strategies to address behavioral and cognitive issues. Treatment plans are personalized to meet the individual needs of each patient and include exercises and activities that can be easily performed at home. Our mobile services bring this support system to you! Additionally, physical therapists will work closely with family members and caregivers to help them support their loved one’s physical and emotional well-being.

 

Getting to know our patients:

Upon each evaluation I always ask the family and caregivers if the patient had any hobbies in the past. I find they will remember the distant past relatively well, compared to recent events. This helps me develop a plan-of-care that maximizes participation. Dancing is a notable example. Simply swaying with the patient left and right, to Frank Sinatra, often turns into stepping for those that enjoyed dancing. I can keep them safe while challenging their balance, posture, and movements. The same goes with putting a golf ball or gardening!

Patients with dementia do not always understand their limitations. It is my job to find the high fall-risk tasks they still attempt. Together we will work on those, using non-traditional treatment plans when needed. Turning a past hobby into a productive session, that the patient can understand, has proven success. This method will progress those patients struggling with traditional treatment plans, due to their cognition. Let’s stay strong… mentally and physically.

Keep on your feet!

Dan Sheehy is a Physical Therapist and the owner of Mobile PT, based in San Diego’s North County. Mobile PT strives to keep seniors strong and secure, decreasing fear and risk of falling. Our mission is to keep seniors confident and safe where they live to maximize their quality of life and maintain their independence.