Archives

Working Memory and Adaptive Strategies

January 10, 2022 by Megan Berg.
Working memory is an essential part of everyday short term memory. Finding strategies for adapting to the loss of this executive function can mitigate declines associated with early stage dementia and improve independence with completion of everyday skills.
This content is only available to members.

Tips for Caring for Someone with Dementia

January 10, 2022 by Megan Berg.
This is a handout outlining best practices for caring for someone who has dementia. Includes practical tips and strategies to optimize safety and independence.
This content is only available to members.

Support Cards for Individuals with Dementia

January 9, 2022 by Megan Berg.
These business-card sized wallet cards provide information about the dementia severity, ways to support communication and daily activities, and important personal information about the person with dementia.
This content is only available to members.

Strategies and Considerations for Early Stage Dementia

January 9, 2022 by Megan Berg.
This handout helps teach strategies and inspire discussion with caregivers and families of clients recently diagnosed with dementia. Includes strategies for improving wayfinding skills, creating visual cues, discussing future problems, and promoting safety within the client’s current environment.
This content is only available to members.

Seven Stages of Alzheimer’s

January 5, 2022 by Megan Berg.
Alzheimer’s disease has a general progression trajectory but may affect each person uniquely so all the signs/symptoms may not occur. Dr. Barry Reisbery of New York University developed the seven stages of Alzheimer’s disease to allow a better understanding of the illness progression for the person with Alzheimer’s, healthcare providers, and family members. This handout gives examples of each stage and the possible level of assistance needed from family members and/or care partners.
This content is only available to members.

Self-Feeding and Low Cognitive Function Setup

January 5, 2022 by Megan Berg.
When working with a patient with dementia, the way a task like self feeding is presented can set the tone for the level of participation. This handout offers caregivers simple techniques for set up, proper positioning, and orientation to task that can improve carryover of OT interventions to maximize independence.
This content is only available to members.

Reminiscence Memory Therapy

January 5, 2022 by Megan Berg.
This resource outlines the construct of reminiscence therapy and provides concrete examples of how to incorporate reminiscence therapy into a session.
This content is only available to members.

Problem-Solving Approach to Reduce Dementia Related Behaviors

January 4, 2022 by Megan Berg.
This piece describes challenging behaviors and how the environment, caregiver, and person with dementia may trigger an increase of behaviors. Also provided is a non-pharmacological problem-solving approach to reduce or eliminate dementia related behaviors.
This content is only available to members.

Normal Cognitive Changes with Age

January 1, 2022 by Megan Berg.
Many people experiencing changes with cognition question whether these changes are related to the natural aging process. This handout provides insight into latest evidence base describing the difference between dementia and cognitive-changes related to aging. Includes 7 strategies to support healthy aging in order to slow the cognitive aging process.
This content is only available to members.