Alzheimer’s Disease & Recreational TherapyFriends with Benefits

Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMMlVh_fP2g

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 2012 -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 OrganizationsCarriage 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 physicalmovement & 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

Wrap up