Dementia can be a debilitating and heartbreaking condition. Dementia is not a disease on its own but is an overall term that covers a wide range of specific conditions, like Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s accounts for about 60-80% of cases. Dementia usually develops as a result of damage or disease in the area of the brain responsible for key functions like memory, learning, and decision-making.
Patients with dementia can have a hard time remembering things and can show changes in thinking skills. Dementia symptoms often develop slowly and gradually become worse. It can become severe enough to impact a patient’s daily life and independence. A person with dementia may start to struggle with everyday tasks, like paying bills, or preparing a meal.
There, unfortunately, is no cure for dementia, but using physical and occupational therapy, a patient can greatly improve their quality of life. In many cases, treatment with a physical therapist has been shown to slow the cognitive decline in patients. This is due to the increase in blood flow to the brain that occurs when doing certain physical therapy exercises. For patients losing their motor functions, a physical & occupational therapist can work with them on specific motor function training. Physical & occupational therapy can help patients maintain their balance and improve their gait, decreasing risks of falls. There is also a social aspect to physical therapy, the personal connection patients establish with their physical therapist often acts to encourage patients to develop new relationships and exercise their social skills.
At Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy, we understand the effect that dementia can have on one. We work closely with primary care doctors and caregivers to ensure the best outcome. We have great compassion for the families and those affected with dementia and understand the personalized care they need. Our treatments are built around each patient’s needs and abilities. Early diagnosis and treatment will allow a patient to get the maximum benefit out of available treatment. If you have a loved one suffering from dementia, call us today to see how we can help!
