Is common neurodegenerative disease of the elderly .

typically beginning in the 60s 0r 70s

Definition: Chronic progressive disease of the CNS Degeneration of the dopaminergic neuron at the substantia nigra =depletion of dopamine

Genetic environmental trigger Lack of dopamine

Rigidity Bradykinesia Resting tremor Postural in stability

Increase the resistance to the passive motion Slowness and difficulty in maintain the movement Dependence in daily tasks Involuntary movement: present at rest , dis appear in voluntary movement

Carbidopa- levodopa Dopamine agonists

Cognitive status: Mini mental status exam score Psychological function: Depression symptoms Physical status : ROM MMT POSTURE BALANCE GAIT

Exercises: According to your finding but mainly used ROM Strength exercises Balance exercises Gait training Resistance exercises Relaxation

Dementia is a term used to describe a some symptoms including:

Forgetfulness (progressive) Difficulty doing familiar tasks Confusion Poor thinking Decline in intellectual functioning

Memory impairment: impaired ability to learn new information or to recall old information One or more of the following: aphasia (language disturbance); apraxia (impaired ability to carry out motor activities despite intact motor function); agnosia (failure to recognize or identify objects despite intact sensory function)

the cognitive deficits result in functional impairment (social/occupational Physical changes

Alzheimers disease (approximately 70%) Vascular dementia (Strokes and TIAs) Parkinsons disease Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) Depression Other, less common causes

Physiotherapy has been reported to have very positive effects on demented patients. Through treatment physiotherapists are hoping to slow the loss of cognitive function as evidenced by some of the literature. Regular movement, particularly following a regime recommended by a physiotherapist, improves flexibility and strength.

Dementia can result in issues ,less balance leading to a higher risk of falls which, amongst the elderly in particular, can lead to broken bones and dislocations. Balance and stability exercises help reduce the risk of falling

Demented patients can often become aggressive and depressed. Regular movement has been shown to stabilise their mood, easing depression and keeping them calm. Similarly a level of activity is beneficial in terms of improving sleep patterns which can often be disrupted by dementia. Physiotherapists will use many tools to get demented patients practicing a regular routine, these include household routines, exercises classes, and resistance training and stretching

progressive neurologic disorder that results in memory loss, personality changes, global cognitive dysfunction, and functional impairments. Loss of short-term memory is most prominent early. In the late stages of disease, patients are totally dependent upon others for ADLS the most common form of dementia in the elderly, accounting for 60 to 80 % of cases estimated to affect more than 4 million Americans

Memory loss for recent events Progresses into dementia almost total memory loss Inability to converse, loss of language ability Affective/personality disturbance Physical distrabance

Clinical diagnosis History, mental status evaluation, physical examination, limited laboratory testing, and in many cases, neuroimaging, more extensive neuropsychological testing and a depression screen.

Exercises to improve or maintain muscle strength Exercises to maintain range of movement Balance exercises to prevent risk of falls Provision of mobility aids and equipment to keep people as active and safe as possible Home assessments to advise on safety within the persons own environment and possible adaptations to maximise independence Advice to family and carers on ways to safely handle the person Providing a home exercise programme for the person to complete with support of their family if necessary

Improved muscle strength Improved range of movement Improved mobility Maintenance of safety Reduced risk of falls Improved confidence and quality of life Maintenance of independence for as long as possible

www.manchesterneurophysio.co.uk/alzheim ers-disease/physiotherapy-for-alzheimersdisease.html http://www.healthcentre.org.uk/physiothera pists/physiotherapist-dementia.htm