Rehabilitation issues in Alzheimer's disease

Abstract EN

Alzheimer's disease is a degeneralive brain disorder, characlerized by the progressive decline of the ability to think and reason.

The management of Alzheimer's disease involves medications as well as other modalities of treatment.

When we meet the patient with Alzheimer's disease, the following should be assessed: daily function, cognitive status, behavioral and mood problems, other medical conditions, the primary caregiver, the culture, values, primary language, and decision-making process of the patient and family.

Later, the patient should be reassessed every 6 months or more frequently if indicated.

There is a common misperception that Alzheimer's Disease, because it is incurable, is also unbeatable.

However, meaningful activity that uses and strengthens remaining skills and abilities, provides a sense of accomplishment, improves mood, and increases overall physical fitness.

The rehabilitation program for persons with Alzheimer's differs depending upon the symptoms, expression, and progression of the disease, and the fact that making a diagnosis of Alzheimer's is so difficult.

With regards to rehabilitation of Alzheimer's disease, it is important to remember that, although any skills lost will not be regained, the caregiving team must keep in mind that in managing the disease, physical exercise and social activity are important, as are proper nutrition and maintaining good health.

As functions are lost, activities and routines should be adapted to allow the individual to participate as much as possible and to complete as many things by himself/herself as possible.