Reference no: EM133708870

Question

Change to simple terms: This article discusses the role of occupational therapy in managing irreversible dementing illnesses such as Alzheimer's disease, multi-infarct dementia, Huntington's disease, and AIDS-related dementia. Occupational therapy is a healthcare profession that helps individuals with cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments to be as self-sufficient as possible in their daily living activities. The philosophy of occupational therapy is based on the belief that meaningful activity is necessary to promote wellness and prevent the debilitating effects of inactivity. The focus of occupational therapy is to enhance the abilities of persons with dementia, a chronic and irreversible process characterized by a progressive loss of cognitive and motor ability. Occupational therapy involves continuous modification and adaptation of daily living tasks and the physical and social environments in which these tasks are performed. These adaptations help individuals with dementia to use their abilities and retain as much control as possible over their lives. In the early stages of cognitive decline, the occupational therapy assessment is directed towards those tasks.