Alzheimer’s Disease & Recreational Therapy FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS
VIDEO
Why Alzheimer’s? Make an impact 3-20 years after Diagnosis -Gillman Affects brain functioning Pre-dementia, early, moderate, advanced Increased risk though aging/family history
STATISTICS 5.4 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s Over 15 million Americans provide unpaid care valued at $210 billion Payments for care are estimated to be $200 billion in the US in Alzheimer’s Association
TREATMENT OPTIONS Pharmaceutical drugs Daily care-giving
RECREATIONAL THERAPY “Helps patients recover basic motor functioning and reasoning abilities, builds confidence and enables those affected to socialize more effectively” - Mayo School of Health Sciences
LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS Carriage Green Senior Home Treasure Chest Activity Encourage choosing diet Music during meals Middle Brook Farms Senior Home “People often link songs to memories. Music can help alter a person’s mood” -Thompson
THE REGENCY HOUSE Located in Wallingford, CT 4 main housing units Offers physical, occupational and speech therapy
OUR EFFORTS Balloon Volleyball: Ideal for those with limited physical movement & cognitive abilities Improves physical coordination
OUR EFFORTS PT. 2 Picture Books: trigger memories & social interaction
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
NEXT TIME? Interview first Return to see residents
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