Physical therapy vs Occupational therapy ?

brs · July 24

Good morning all. My DH had his first physical therapy spot yesterday. My DH wanted me there for the intro , I was, adding info when he wasn't able to recall time frames of events. When the physical exercise began he wasn't able to follow her verbal directions and kept apologizing. The therapist said it's okay, you've just stopped using that foot and we're going to retrain you to use it. I hope she's right but when the exercise was completed I said, " after an MRI 5 wks ago. he was diagnosed with dementia with total left sided weakness with tremors effecting his balance and gait". The therapist said was the MRI on the brain only or the back too? I'm not looking for a diagnosis, I want him to have support enabling him to function "his best". Have others experienced this ? Would a conversation asking if the therapist is trained to assist ALZ patients be a good idea ? Or is Occupational Therapy a better choice ? Thanks everyone for being here ❤

M1 · July 24

Welcome to the forum. It's probably a lost cause, unfortunately. Maybe worth a brief try, but inability to follow dire tions-much less do a home exercise program- probably make it moot. Best to keep your expectations low. I doubt that occupational therapy would fare any better, although they might have suggestions for adaptive equipment.

SDianeL · July 24

I found that neither PT or OT helped my husband diagnosed in 2021 and placed in memory care 6 months ago. Both were familiar with dementia & Alzheimer's. He couldn't follow their instructions or learn the exercises. They took away his cane at Memory Care and he couldn't learn to use a walker so he went into a wheelchair. After 2 or 3 visits the therapists cancelled.

brs · July 24

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/216856#Comment_216856

Thanks for responding. I know I've learned more from this forum and classes through AARP and Get Set Up than the traditional medical appointments (except primary who has a loved one with this illness).

Iris L. · July 25

What is he getting P T for? You would probably do better to learn how to do passive range of motion exercises to keep his joints limber, if he will tolerate thus.

Iris

harshedbuzz · July 25

Balance and gait issues would be under the heading of PT but not all PTs specialize in that aspect of the practice. Some PTs are better with PWD than others; the one who came to dad's home was terrific but the one in his MCF was amazing. But even he could only do so much with dad who had limited ability to understand or remember. If he can't understand the instructions, he will likely be discharged. If he's given exercises for homework and can't/won't follow through, he'll likely be discharged.

OTs often work on ADL stuff and a consult in the home could be useful for ideas to make your home more functional and safer for a PWD. When was discharged from rehab, an OT visited mom ahead of time to make suggestions for keep them both safe.

HB

fesk · July 25

There's a lot of good advice already. Just want to share that depending on where your husband is at both PT and OT can be beneficial. It has been for my mother for many years. There are some therapists that are much better working with patients with Alzheimer's. If your husband cannot follow direction, perhaps he can mimic/follow along. The PT may need to get creative to adapt exercises to your husband's capabilities. I also agree that range of motion exercises can be done. My mother has weakness on one side and the OT did a lot on her own that my mother didn't have to participate in that strengthened it. Best of luck.

Physical therapy vs Occupational therapy ?

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