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Case Report: Aquatic Therapy and End-Stage Dementia
Bruce E Becker1,2, Stacy Lynch1,2
1University of Washington School of Medicine, 13125 S. Fairway Ridge Lane, Spokane, WA 99224.
PM & R : the Journal of Injury, Function, and Rehabilitation
|September 18, 2017
Summary
Aquatic therapy significantly improved a woman's severe Alzheimer's symptoms. She regained mobility, communication, and independence in daily activities after pool-based interventions.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Geriatrics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Early-onset Alzheimer's dementia presents progressive cognitive decline.
- Conventional treatments for dementia were ineffective for this patient.
- Severe functional impairment was noted, including nonverbal status and dependence on assistance.
Observation:
- The patient was nonverbal and resistive to care before therapy.
- She required maximal assistance for transfers and daily living activities.
- Initial evaluation showed significant cognitive and functional deficits.
Findings:
- After 19 weeks of aquatic therapy, the patient could tread water for 15 minutes.
- Transfer independence improved to moderate-to-maximum assist.
- Ambulation increased to 1000 feet with assistance, and communication improved with relevant responses.
Implications:
- Aquatic therapy may be a beneficial intervention for Alzheimer's patients with severe cognitive decline.
- Hydrotherapy can lead to significant improvements in physical function and communication.
- This case suggests a potential non-pharmacological approach to managing Alzheimer's symptoms.
