Effective OT Interventions for Persons with Dementia
and Other Related DiseasesVision in Action Conference
Spalding UniversityMarch 2014
Paige Dellis, OTS
Dementia
Dementia is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.
More than 5 million Americans are living with the disease.
1 in 3 seniors dies due to Dementia or other related diseases.
In 2013, 15.4 million caregivers provided more than 17.5 billion hours of unpaid care valued at $216 billion.
In 2014, Dementia and related diseases will cost the nation $203 billion. This number is expected to rise to $1.2 trillion by 2050.
There is a need for evidence-based research!!!
Focused Question
What are the most effective interventions to improve
occupational performance in elderly persons with
dementia or other related diseases?
Searching for Literature
American Journal of Occupational Therapy
AOTA
OT search
Academic Search Premier
EBSCO Host
Population/Key Words
Population: Aging Population, Elderly
Key words during search: Elderly, Dementia, Alzheimer's, Interventions, Performance, Treatment, Quality of Life, Memory
Research says: Effective
Group Music Therapy
Classical music, personal favorite music
Pet Therapy
Exercise Programs
Audio-visual Prompting
Decrease dependenceof caregiver
Research says: Possible
(Need more research!) Writing Workshops
Sensory Integration
Using Power Wheelchairs
Increase social participation
Additionally…
Caregiver Training
Modify the environment
Decrease stress for patients!
Why did I choose this topic?
Grandfather
Interesting Disease
Becoming more common
Relatable Fieldwork Experience
Kindred Healthcare – Rolling Hills (Level I)
Golden Living – Hillcreek (Level II)
Relevance to OT
Evidence-based Practice
Crucial for the advancement of our profession
Planning client-centered interventions
Improving patient quality of life
Advocating for your clients
Occupational Profile
What will motivate them?
Conclusion
Music!
Pets!
Exercise!
Audiovisual Prompts!
However…NEED MORE RESEARCH!
Very little current evidence is available related to effective interventions for Dementia and other related diseases
We need to continue to gather evidence behind these interventions to support that what we do as practitioners is viable
Questions Anyone?
Contact Information
Paige Dellis, OTS
502-640-6760
THANK YOU!
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