Helping Alzheimer’s with Physical Therapy
Traditional medicine has been unable to find a cure for Alzheimer’s. However, it is possible to slow down the rate of disease progression. Exercise helps maintain quality of life, and it becomes even more important as the disease progresses.
Why physical therapy?
Physical therapists are licensed professionals trained to help patients with several types of neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s. The therapist can recognize the challenges associated with different stages of the disease and can design a treatment program as an adjunct to traditional medical treatment
The benefits of physical therapy:
- Better balance and reduced risk of falls
- Improved muscle tone and strength
- Increased independence
- Planning for assistive devices to enable daily activities
Treatment approaches include:
1. Balance therapy – This consists of specific exercises to improve balance. These exercises can involve simple tasks like standing on one leg or standing with the feet close together. Supervised balance therapy enables the patient to improve gradually and the dependence on assistive devices is simultaneously reduced.
2. Therapeutic exercise – Brisk walking and swimming are examples of exercises that can improve mobility, muscle tone and blood circulation. The therapist will supervise the patient at all times. Stretching exercises help to minimize muscle tightness.
3. Massage therapy – This form of treatment is primarily aimed at calming the patient and reducing stress level. Alzheimer’s patients understandably experience a degree of frustration. Verbally calming the patient is useful, but the effect of touch and massage therapy is extremely useful.
4. Assistance with activities of daily living – In severe cases, the loss of independence is so significant that a patient cannot bathe or use the bathroom independently. Physical therapists are able to help patients learn to manage these tasks with a combination of exercises and assistive devices.
We are a Team
As an integral part of the healthcare team, the physical therapist will design a home exercise program and work closely with family members to care for the patient. The therapist can educate family members about the do’s and don’ts of exercises and daily activities, in addition to helping prepare a safe home environment for the patient.