Alzheimer's Disease : application of the model of human occupation as an alternative occupational therapy treatment intervention

Abstract

This essay outlines various approaches that are used by Occupational Therapists with Alzheimer's Disease. The Model of Human Occupation was used as an alternative approach with a dementia patient to assess how it can affect performance in daily life tasks and behaviour. Environmental support and the person's own interests and daily habits were used to promote motivation. Tasks were broken down into simple steps and appropriate prompting was provided whenever required. The standardized Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living and Behavioural and Mood Disturbance Scale were applied as baseline and final assessments. A Performance Rating Scale modified from the Crighton Modified Behavioural Scale was used to monitor progress during the intervention. Results of the case study showed that there were intervention-related gains in dressing, bathing, toiletting and feeding as well as two other instrumental ADL's. The subject was also more co-operative. Little or no improvement was seen in verbal communication, mood, restlessness and orientation. This study indicates that the Model of Human Occupation may be applied with Alzhimer's Disease patients and shows some positive performance gains.