Occupational Therapy and Neurodegenerative Diseases
Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, MS: the occupational therapist supports patients throughout the progression of the disease to maintain autonomy and quality of life.
Neurodegenerative diseases affect more than 1.5 million people in France. Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, Lewy body disease... These progressive conditions gradually impact autonomy and quality of life. The occupational therapist intervenes at all stages to maintain abilities, adapt the environment, and support caregivers.
📊 Key Figures
🎯 Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease is characterized by tremors, muscle rigidity, and slowness of movement (akinesia). These symptoms progressively impact all daily activities.
Symptoms and Functional Impact
- Tremors: Difficulties with manipulation, writing, eating
- Rigidity: Stiffness, difficulties initiating movements
- Akinesia: Slowness, freezing, micrographia
- Postural disorders: Balance, risk of falls
- Cognitive disorders: Attention, executive functions
Occupational Therapy Intervention
Motor Maintenance
Coordination, balance, fine motor skills exercises
Technical Aids
Weighted utensils, ergonomic pens, transfer aids
Home Adaptation
Fall prevention, securing the environment
💡 Strategies for Freezing
Freezing (walking blockage) can be circumvented by strategies such as using visual cues (lines on the floor), auditory cues (metronome), or reversing movement. The occupational therapist teaches these techniques to the patient and their family.
🧠 Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease is characterized by memory, language, orientation, and executive function disorders. The occupational therapist intervenes to maintain remaining abilities and adapt the environment.
Occupational Therapy Approach
- Cognitive Stimulation: Exercises tailored to the stage of the disease
- Maintaining Routines: Familiar activities, temporal markers
- Environmental Adaptation: Signage, security, visual markers
- Meaningful Activities: Maintaining occupations that have meaning
- Support for Caregivers: Advice, training, support
The EDITH App for Alzheimer's
Simplified Interface
Intuitive navigation, large buttons, clear instructions
Tailored Exercises
Adjustable difficulty levels, non-failure activities
Professional Monitoring
Dashboard for the occupational therapist and family
⚠️ Adapt and not stimulate at all costs
At an advanced stage, the goal is no longer to stimulate but to accompany with kindness. The occupational therapist adapts the environment for safety and comfort, and trains caregivers in appropriate communication and assistance.
🔬 Multiple Sclerosis
MS affects young people (20-40 years) with variable symptoms: fatigue, motor, sensory, and cognitive disorders. The progression is unpredictable, either in relapses or progressive.
Specifics of Care Management
- Fatigue Management: Energy conservation, activity planning
- Adaptation to Progression: Evolving technical aids
- Professional Maintenance: Workplace adjustments
- Thermosensitivity: Adaptation of the thermal environment
🛠️ Adapted Cognitive Stimulation Tools
EDITH and JOE offer exercises tailored to the different stages of neurodegenerative diseases.
Discover our tools →👨👩👧 Support for Caregivers
Neurodegenerative diseases strongly impact family caregivers. The occupational therapist supports them to preserve their health and optimize their assistance.
- Training in Techniques: Transfers, handling, back pain prevention
- Organizational Advice: Activity adaptation, use of aids
- Prevention of Burnout: Recognizing signs, directing to relief
- Adapted Communication: Strategies for cognitive disorders
🎯 Conclusion
Occupational therapy is essential in supporting neurodegenerative diseases. At every stage, the goal is to maintain the best possible autonomy and quality of life, for both the patient and their caregivers.
Cognitive stimulation tools like EDITH and JOE complement care by offering tailored, engaging, and monitored exercises. They allow for regular training between sessions and an objective follow-up of progress.
