Session Information
Date: Monday, June 20, 2016
Session Title: Education in movement disorders
Session Time: 12:30pm-2:00pm
Location: Exhibit Hall located in Hall B, Level 2
Objective: Introduce a neuropsychological rehabilitation program, based on a combination of techniques’ strategy, such as Reality Orientation Therapy, Reminiscence Therapy, Memory Rehabilitation, Cognitive Training, Ecological Adaptation, Behavioral Modification and Support to Caregivers, for demented patients with parkinsonism, developed at the Sarah Network of Rehabilitation Hospitals.
Background: Dementia is a clinical syndrome characterized by a progressive decline in cognition and/or comportment, which causes a gradual interference/restriction in the activities of daily living (ADLs), prior to changes of alertness, mobility or sensorial. Changes in cognition and behavioral problems can increase the burden for caregivers, precipitate institutionalization and decrease patient’s quality of life. Dementia is highly prevalent in parkinsonism. Treatment includes pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches. The neuropsychological rehabilitation program is part of a non-pharmacological treatment and should directly consider the patient’s needs, observing their previous life style and current abilities.
Methods: From January/2007 to December/2015, 54 demented patients with parkinsonism and their families participated of a rehabilitation program developed for patients in the mild and moderate stages of dementia, after clinical and neuropsychological diagnosis, and conducted by interdisciplinary team. The themes concern ADLs, such as nourishment, dressing, hygiene and communication. The goal is to teach caregivers to minimize the impact of the disorder, to deal with behavioral aspects and improve the quality of life. Caregivers are encouraged to discuss difficulties and solutions in dealing with their patients.
Results: Benefits reported by patients and family members/caregivers emphasize improvement on alertness and participation in ADLs; learning about the patient’s disability, how to use behavioral strategies, stimulating, caring and training specific abilities. Social support is also reported as a benefit.
Conclusions: Although the achievement of a well succeeded program has been reported, a more systematic method of evaluation must be developed.
To cite this abstract in AMA style:
P.N.S. Almeida, A.C.P. Koutsandréou, A.C.M. Neri. Pshychoeducational interventions for demented patients with parkinsonism and their families [abstract]. Mov Disord. 2016; 31 (suppl 2). https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/pshychoeducational-interventions-for-demented-patients-with-parkinsonism-and-their-families/. Accessed June 14, 2025.« Back to 2016 International Congress
MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/pshychoeducational-interventions-for-demented-patients-with-parkinsonism-and-their-families/