As COVID-19 evolves, the provincial and federal governments continue to update their resources.

Refer to your provincial college for location information

Email: info@otcanada.ca

Group 8.png

Occupational Therapy Canada

Public Information Resource

  • Home

  • About OT

  • Practice

  • Colleges

  • Discussions

  • Find an OT

  • More

    To see this working, head to your live site.
    1. Discussion Board
    2. OT and Adults
    3. Occupational Therapy for Alzheimer's Disease
    Search
    Info OT Canada
    Dec 10, 2020
      ·  Edited: Jan 04

    Occupational Therapy for Alzheimer's Disease

    Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory. Along with it, come problems with thinking skills and, eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. In most people with the disease symptoms first arise in their mid-60s. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia among older adults. This damage initially appears to take place in the hippocampus, the part of the brain crucial in developing memories. As neurons die, supplementary parts of the brain are impaired.


    Initial symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease include often repeating statements, losing items, difficulty finding names for familiar objects, becoming lost on familiar routes, and shifts in personality and emotional responses. Occupational therapists help people with Alzheimer’s disease to live life to its fullest by adapting to the environment and concentrating on what they can do to maximize engagement in activities.





    Occupational therapists work with the person at home and suggest changes to make it more comfortable to do things independently, such as design new routines, alter existing routines, or add adaptive devices. The occupational therapist can also help a person to respond better to certain types of cueing and other communication strategies. Occupational therapists work with you to form a safety plan based on your needs. For example, the occupational therapist may ascertain how the person will safely obtain meals in the kitchen when no one is available to help.


    Ask your physician for a referral to an occupational therapist who has expertise in working with those who have Alzheimer’s disease.


    Weller, J., & Budson, A. (2018). Current understanding of Alzheimer's disease diagnosis and treatment. F1000Research, 7, F1000 Faculty Rev-1161. https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.14506.1

    0 comments

    Follow us on...

    About Occupational Therapy

    Occupational Therapy with Children

    Occupational Therapy with Adults

    Colleges of Occupational Therapists

    Discussion Board

    Index

    © 2021 Occupational Therapy Canada

    Terms of Use

    Privacy Statement

    Code of Conduct

    Questions?