An estimated 5.2 million people in the U.S. suffer from Alzheimer’s. Unfortunately, the prevalence of Alzheimer’s, a disease that causes memory loss and mental deterioration, is on the rise. Similar conditions, ones that also cause cognitive decline, are also becoming more and more common. There is some good news, however. Thankfully, as the disease comes into the spotlight, we are also developing more ways to manage symptoms. Here are a few methods common in most skilled nursing care facilities:
Massage And Physical Therapy
Massage can “reduce episodes of wandering and other agitated behaviors associated with anxiety,” according to Care.com. Moreover, it has also been shown to lower blood pressure, help patients sleep, ease pain and muscle tightness, and reduce symptoms of depression. In addition to the clear-cut benefits of massage, physical therapy can help give patients a sense of focus and purpose. Improved mobility and exercise all have tangible benefits as well. Patients who merely improve their mobility generally feel greater happiness and more independence. Seniors who can exercise to some capacity can also enjoy its stress-reducing and cathartic effects.
Pets Can Make An Incredible Difference
Pets have been shown to speed up surgery recovery times. The specifics — i.e., whether pets achieve this by giving owners and/or patients a sense of hope or merely keeping them in high spirits — aren’t quite clear. What is clear, however, is that they’re potential to heal does not stop there. Alzheimer’s patients have also been known to improve considerably in skilled care nursing facilities or even in home skilled nursing care programs when they have regular interactions with pets. Pets naturally relieve stress and anxiety, enabling patients to participate in more nursing home activities and easing their dependence on long term care nursing.
Treating Alzheimer’s patients can be tricky; at the same time, some simple and straightforward treatments, like physical therapy, massage, and pet therapy, can work wonders. Reference links.