By: Apeksha Besekar, PT, MSPT, NCS

Dementia is one of the greatest global challenges for health and social care in the 21st century. Alzheimer’s Disease accounts for about half of all dementia cases (43%). The memory and cognitive problems that come with Alzheimer’s Disease have a very slow, insidious onset. The onset is between 40 and 90 years of age, most commonly after age 65. The intellectual decline eventually results in the inability to perform activities of daily living and in lasting changes in personality.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s is characterized by the loss of neuronal synapses and pyramidal neurons accompanied by progressive cognitive neurodegeneration. The regions associated with more complex brain functions, such as the hippocampus and the neocortex, are the most affected.

What symptoms can you expect to see in a person with Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease patients experience a variety of symptoms, including memory loss, Apraxia, and visuospatial impairment. Apraxia is a neurological syndrome where a person has a difficult time performing day to day tasks, like tying a shoelace or buttoning a shirt, even if they can understand the instructions given, while visuospatial impairment is the inability to interpret visual information and act accordingly.

What are the 3 stages of Alzheimer’s Disease, and what symptoms develop for each stage?

Early: Can experience forgetfulness and problems, have trouble retaining new information, and begin to withdraw socially. You may also notice the person is no longer participating in activities and hobbies they formerly loved. Personality wise, may feel moody, a sense of time disorientation, and lack of judgement.

Intermediate: Behavioral and personality changes start to be evident. We begin to see changes in a person’s manner of walking, wandering starts, and confusion of day and night.

Late: In this stage there may be excessive wandering behavior and forgetting survival tasks like how to eat. This makes weight loss a problem. As the disease advances, individuals may require increasing levels of care and support, making it a significant concern not only for patients but also for their families and caregivers.

How can Physical Therapy help?

Physical Therapy plays a crucial role in managing Alzheimer’s disease, especially in the early to mid-stages.

  • Maintain mobility and function: Physical therapy helps individuals maintain their mobility, strength, and overall physical function. Regular exercises can prevent muscle weakness, joint stiffness, and balance issues, which are common in Alzheimer’s patients. In older adults, the regular practice of exercise has a positive effect both on peripheral endothelial function and on the increase of cerebral blood flow (CBF) in areas such as the hippocampus.
  • Improve Balance and Reduce Fall Risk: Falls are a significant concern for Alzheimer’s patients. We can see difficulty with dual-tasking, such as walking and talking or carrying an object – patients slow down a lot or stop walking to do the other task. Trying to do another task while walking leads to falls. Studies demonstrate that practicing dual-tasking in those with Mild Cognitive Decline (MCI) to early Alzheimer’s can improve cognitive function, gait speed, and ability to dual-task. Physical therapists can develop individualized exercise programs focusing on balance and coordination, reducing the risk of falls and related injuries.
  • Enhance Quality of Life: Engaging in physical activity can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and enhance overall well-being. Physical therapy provides a structured and safe environment for patients to exercise, leading to better physical and mental health.
  • Slow Cognitive Decline: There is evidence suggesting that regular physical activity can have a positive impact on cognitive function. While physical therapy cannot stop Alzheimer’s progression, it can potentially slow down cognitive decline.

What can a caregiver do to help a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease?

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease is challenging but rewarding.

Here are some tips to help caregivers navigate this journey:

  • Seek Professional Help: Don’t hesitate to seek help from healthcare professionals. Physical therapists, occupational therapists, and psychologists can provide valuable support and guidance. Seeing a Board Certified Neurological or Geriatric Physical Therapist can ensure a lifelong holistic recovery path for the patient and the caregivers.
  • Create a Safe Environment: Modify the living space to minimize risks. Remove tripping hazards, install grab bars in bathrooms, and ensure good lighting throughout the house.
  • Establish a Routine: A consistent daily routine can provide structure and reduce confusion for the patient. Include regular times for meals, activities, and rest.
  • Encourage Physical Activity: Engage your loved one in physical activities recommended by their physical therapist. Simple exercises, walking, or even dancing can be beneficial.
  • Promote Social Interaction: Social engagement is crucial for mental health. Encourage participation in social activities, whether it’s family gatherings, community events, or support groups.
  • Take Care of Yourself: Caregiving can be physically and emotionally exhausting. Ensure you take time for self-care, seek support from friends and family, and consider joining a caregiver support group.

Alzheimer’s disease presents many challenges, but with the right approach and support, individuals and their caregivers can maintain a good quality of life. Physical therapy offers significant benefits in managing the physical and cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Remember if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease that there is support and resources in reach.

Work with Apeksha Besekar PT, MSPT, NCS at Spooner Ocotillo.
Learn more about how Spooner’s neuro specialty to support those with Alzheimer’s. Schedule an appointment at a Spooner location near you.

Reference:

De la Rosa A, Olaso-Gonzalez G, Arc-Chagnaud C, Millan F, Salvador-Pascual A, García-Lucerga C, Blasco-Lafarga C, Garcia-Dominguez E, Carretero A, Correas AG, Viña J, Gomez-Cabrera MC. Physical exercise in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. J Sport Health Sci. 2020 Sep;9(5):394-404. doi: 10.1016/j.jshs.2020.01.004. Epub 2020 Feb 4. PMID: 32780691; PMCID: PMC7498620.