“Community Recreation for Participants with Early Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease: Research and Program Ideas” Tyler Tapps MS

Dementia Primary cause for admission to institutional care Alzheimer’s type (more than 50% of dementia cases) 4th leading cause of death (150,000) per year Age Prevalence 65-74 3% 75-84 18.7% 85+ 47.2% Institutions 50% to 70% (Cohen, 2008).

Dementia Presence of at least 2 Impaired short-term memory Impaired handling of complex tasks Impaired reasoning ability Impaired orientation Impaired language Causes can be predicted up to 90% accuracy Common Types of Dementia Alzheimer’s Vascular Alcohol and Drug induced

Keys! Different stages Misconceptions of Alzheimer’s Common Risk factors What occurs Programs that work

What are the 3 stages of Alzheimer’s? STAGE I: Normal function Symptoms Developed Less Initiative Tired Unwilling to try new things Forget familiar words or names, KEYS! Give up favorite activities *** Family makes excuses for behavior change ***

What are the 3 stages of Alzheimer’s? STAGE II: Mild Cognitive decline Individuals feel as if they have memory lapses Problems not always evident during medical exam Stage 1 is pronounced Person is identified as “someone else” May require supervision

What are the 3 stages of Alzheimer’s? STAGE III: Terminal Stage Body weak Incontinence sets in (more common in women) Need total help with care Unable to communicate effectively Bedridden Nursing home care

A few misconceptions of Alzheimer’s or what it is NOT Normal Aging Mental retardation Mental Laziness Vitamin Deficiency Brought on by stress Emotional Illness Preventable or Curable

STAGES SUMMARY Lose of memory Loss of thought Loss of function

Most Common Risk Factors Age Female Sex Heredity Head Injury

Alzheimer’s and the brain Alzheimer’s changes the whole brain Research has shown that we can begin to develop Alzheimer’s before age 25. Example:

Brain Comparison

How do we treat Alzheimer’s While there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease or for most other causes of dementia We must focus on: Depression Loneliness Restlessness Anxiety – patient and caregiver

Programming Assessment is the Key! Work with primary caregiver to find out what they enjoy Utilize this information to build programs for caregiver and those diagnosed Should be short and stimulating, usually no longer than 15 minutes.

Programs Playing music of the person's choosing; One-on-one interaction Playing videotapes of family members Walking and light exercise Pet therapy Programs that promote advocacy for individuals and the need to research the disease WiiHab – Tested here in Stillwater, Positive affect Cane aerobics/self-defense

Programs Color Coding Beads Creating of Necklaces/stringing activities Scrapbooking/photoalbums Sorting: Such as Buttons (different sizes and colors), poker chips, balls, bottle caps, forks, spoons, rocks…WATCH so they do not eat. Show and Tell – Very Popular Riddle Clubs/Joke Clubs

Joanne Wayne Joanne Wayne Born: 1934 in Stannford, Texas Wayne pedals a stationary bike every day for 30 minutes and stays active by volunteering all over town. From working with chemotherapy patients at a hospital to chairing a local United Way committee, Wayne stays busy. And to relax? "I knit," says Wayne. "It gives my mind time to let go."

Bob Michael Bob Michael Born: 1919 in San Angelo, Texas Michael walks on a treadmill three times a week and keeps up to date on the news, reading two newspapers each day. Besides frequently attending concerts and theater performances.

Minnie Minnie Segel Born: 1916 in Minneapolis She walks when she's able to and stays active by attending the theater, doing ceramics, watching television shows that challenge her mind and going to social events that promote human connection.

Edith Springer Edith Springer Born: 1913 in the Lower East Side of New York City Springer takes a long walk at least twice a week and stays active by volunteering at a local library. "I love to volunteer, and they like having me," Springer says. "I feel like a queen when I go in there. They're so thoughtful and appreciative of what I do."