What is Dementia?
Dementia is a term used to describe the loss of cognitive function – including memory, language, behaviour and problem solving – which can affect daily life. Dementia is caused by abnormal changes in the brain and is a progressive disease. There are a number of different types of dementia and it affects everyone differently.
Over 900,000 people in the UK live with dementia. Dementia is one of the main causes of disability in the UK, ahead of cancer, heart disease and stroke and it has an estimated cost to the UK economy of £34 billion a year!
How can Physiotherapy help?
A patient with dementia is just like any other patient. A physiotherapist will assess a patient’s mobility, strength and function and from this will make a problem list and treatment plan, that will align with the patient’s goals (or those goals that may be set by the family/carers).
Exercise can minimise the effects of dementia and can lead to improved quality of life by slowing down the functional decline expected with the disease process. There is also some evidence that exercise therapy can improve the ability of people with dementia in performing activities of daily living. Research has also shown that exercise can prevent or delay the onset of dementia.
Some areas physiotherapy can help are:
- Reduced risk of falls
- Increased independence in functional tasks
- Increased functional mobility
- Increased safety in the home environment
- Increased muscle strength and balance
- Increased confidence and quality of life
- Increased social skills
- Reduced pain
- Reduced fatigue
What sort of treatment will a physiotherapist suggest?
Following a thorough assessment, your physiotherapist will suggest an appropriate treatment plan. The treatment plan will be specific to the individual’s needs. However, a general treatment plan may involve:
- Muscle strengthening exercises
- Dynamic balance activities
- The practice of functional tasks – getting washed and dressed, meal preparation, toileting
- Transfer practice – including bed, chair, toilet, getting on and off the floor, using the bath or shower
- Indoor and outdoor mobility practice
- Stairs practice
- Pain relief
- Fatigue management
- Provision of mobility aids and equipment
Depending on the severity, communication, understanding and memory may be an issue for the individual. This can make it difficult for them to engage in treatment and remember to do exercises. However, physiotherapists have undergone a large amount of training in order to engage and communicate with dementia patients to the best of their abilities.
A physiotherapist will work closely with carers and family to offer support and guidance to ensure the patient receives the best result possible.
What sort of advice can a physiotherapist give?
In addition to advice on exercise and mobility, your physiotherapist can advise on the need for mobility aids and will teach the patient how to use sticks, zimmer frames or outdoor walkers when appropriate. A physio can also offer advice on ways in which to make the home environment as safe as possible, prevent falls and to keep the patient safe.
Engaging and working with family and the care team can be an essential part of a patient’s treatment plan, including demonstrations, verbal instruction and written handovers. They can also advise on how to help the patient can mobilise safely or be transferred in a way that is safe for both the patient and carer.
Additional information and advice
- https://www.dementiauk.org
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/
- https://www.ageuk.org.uk
If you need help or advice on how a Physiotherapist can help you or a family member with dementia, please get in touch.
- Email: info@myphysioathome.co.uk,
- call us 07870 569 929
- You can book online here, including online consultations