Can Occupational Therapy Slow Alzheimer's Decline?

Can Occupational Remedy Sluggish Alzheimer's Decline?

Sufferers, caregivers might reap some advantages, however examine sees no impact on on a regular basis functioning

WebMD Information from HealthDay

By Amy Norton

HealthDay Reporter

MONDAY, Nov. 21, 2016 (HealthDay Information) -- Dwelling-based occupational remedy might not decelerate the bodily decline that comes with Alzheimer's illness, a brand new medical trial suggests.

The examine checked out whether or not house visits from occupational therapists may put the brakes on Alzheimer's sufferers' "useful decline."

Because the mind dysfunction progresses, it is not solely reminiscence that fades, but additionally day-to-day functioning. Folks regularly lose their capacity to carry out routine duties -- corresponding to making meals, utilizing home goods and bathing and dressing.

The purpose of occupational remedy is to assist household caregivers handle these difficulties. Periods may handle protected bathing or serving to a liked one out and in of a automotive, as an illustration.

Within the two-year examine, the hope was that weaving occupational remedy into Alzheimer's sufferers' major care would decelerate their useful decline.

However that didn't occur, mentioned lead researcher Dr. Christopher Callahan, founding director of Indiana College's Heart for Ageing Analysis.

He referred to as the findings "disappointing," but additionally mentioned that occupational remedy can nonetheless be helpful in managing Alzheimer's.

"There may be nonetheless a task for occupational remedy in serving to with particular impairments," Callahan mentioned.

And others mentioned the examine didn't totally measure the entire methods the remedy may benefit sufferers and household caregivers -- like boosting their high quality of life.

Previous research have discovered that getting "house assist" can enhance caregivers' well-being, as an illustration, mentioned Susan Stark, an assistant professor of occupational remedy, neurology and social work at Washington College in St. Louis.

In keeping with Stark, the measurements used on this examine might not have been "sufficiently subtle" to seize sure advantages.

Plus, she mentioned, the variety of classes might have fallen quick: Households sometimes had 18 house visits over two years.

"It makes me marvel if there was a dose challenge," Stark mentioned.

In the true world, occupational remedy will not be an computerized a part of Alzheimer's care. However medical doctors might prescribe it on a case-by-case foundation, Stark mentioned.

Sometimes, an occupational therapist goes to the affected person's house and recommends adjustments that may make day by day dwelling simpler and safer. They could assist the household take away fall dangers, or use gear to make bogs safer and extra accessible, for instance, Stark mentioned.