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Dementia is a symptom of various diseases, medical problems, and issues; the most common disease being Alzheimer\u2019s. While many people think that dementia is a disease itself, it is not a disease but a symptom. Unfortunately many people feel that dementia is also an acceptable part of aging and it is not. While the diagnosis of dementia can be frightening, there are ways to help you deal with dementia. Physical therapy can actually be a proactive approach to helping someone who is suffering from dementia live a higher quality of life.<\/p>\n
It is important to recognize signs of dementia as early as possible. Many symptoms of dementia may be subtle, especially in the beginning stages. This is why it is so important to notice small signs and changes in behavior. However, it is also very important to realize that memory loss alone is not necessarily a sign of dementia. Diagnosing dementia is not an easy feat. At least two or more symptoms of dementia should be present before an actual diagnosis is made. If you think that someone you love may be showing signs of dementia keep notes about the changes you are noticing.<\/p>\n
Some Early Signs of Dementia Include:<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Because dementia is technically a collection of symptoms (there are more than what we have listed above) it is imperative to notice these subtle signs and changes together. Physical therapy is a wonderful way to keep a person involved and excited about life and every day interactions. Because Live Your Life Physical Therapy can come to the patient, it is less likely that the person who is showing early signs of dementia will be confused or upset with a routine designed to get them up and moving safely in their own surroundings. Our physical therapist will assess the abilities and the areas in which the client seems to be having most difficulty. As the patient\u2019s needs change, we will update their program; giving the patient the best and most comprehensive PT possible on a regular basis. Our therapists will ensure that your loved one feels a sense of self worth without being afraid. We will help them keep active while working closely with their caregivers to let them know what the best options are to keep their loved one living a high quality life. Live Your Life Physical Therapy wants your loved one to Live Life ACTIVELY<\/strong><\/span> as we work with them to maintain strength and reduce their stress. Call us today if a loved one is showing early signs of dementia. We can get you started on the path to maintaining the best quality of life possible while dealing with the many side effects of the symptom of dementia itself.<\/p>\n Dedicated to Keeping You Healthy & Active,<\/p>\n Dr. Eva Norman\n
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Physical therapy is an excellent way to manage the stresses of dementia because of the connection between being physically active and reducing stress. If a mind is overstressed it will easily become confused at any age; this is especially true with those who are suffering from dementia. Many times because of some of the symptoms associated as part of dementia seniors will become weak also. Think of it this way; if you were easily confused every time you walked out your door and became disoriented you would most likely stop going out for walks. If you became listless, tired, and indifferent about certain things in life that you used to enjoy you would most likely stop doing them. Basically, the effects of dementia can often make a person fearful and overly stressed about the simple everyday tasks in life. Stress adds on to the symptom of dementia itself and begins to shut a person down. As many as 50% of Americans age 85+ have some form of dementia.[1]<\/p>\n
\nPresident & Founder
\nDoctor of Physical Therapy
\nLive Your Live Physical Therapy, LLC<\/p>\n