Non-pharmacologic Therapies for Alzheimer’s Disease

Work Type

Poster

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease(AD) is a neurocognitive disorder primarily impacting older adults that results in cognitive decline and memory impairment. AD is the most common form of dementia and the 6th leading cause of death worldwide. 1 in 9 people over the age of 65 are living with AD. The projections show the incidence of AD is only expected to grow, making its impact on public health profound. Despite medications to manage symptoms and help slow cognitive decline, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s.

Family members often by default become caregivers for their loved one suffering from AD. Research collected shows 78% of caregivers for patients with AD are family members. Alzheimer’s disease is a challenging and taxing condition to care for due to its long duration and its extreme spectrum of care needs. These caregivers have a front row seat to watching special memories disappear, habitual tasks become challenging, and the person they once knew fade away. Studies showed 58% of caregivers for AD patients reported extreme stress levels, and 56.5% reported their stress was a result of worrying about the patient with AD4,16. The passion behind this project came from caring for my two grandmother’s who both suffer from AD. The objective of this research was to find non-pharmacologic therapies that could be done at home to help slow cognitive decline in patients with AD. The goal of this research was to explore what therapies have showed improvement for AD patients and to distribute this to caregivers of AD patients, so they would have guidance on useful therapies to help their loved one at home.

Publication Date

5-2-2025

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