Neurological physiotherapy for Dementia
The neurological physiotherapists at Liverpool Neuro Physio commonly treat conditions such as dementia. Dementia leads to cell nerve damage in the brain.
What is dementia?
Dementia is an umbrella term for a group of related symptoms associated with ongoing deterioration of the brain. People with dementia commonly experience problems with skills and everyday activities. Dementia is caused by structural changes in the brain leading to nerve cell damage. Physiotherapy can be beneficial in treating some of the associated movement and functional problems of dementia.
Types of dementia?
There are a few different types of dementia these include:
Alzheimer's disease
Is the most common. This is caused by changes in the brains structure leading to death of nerve cells. This disrupts the brains usual activity.
Vascular dementia
This is another form of dementia that is caused by blockages of blood vessels in the brain. The blockage results in lack of oxygen and nutrients to the nerves causing them to die.
Mixed dementia
This is a mixture of more than one type of dementia
Dementia with Lewy bodies
This is caused by abnormal build-up of protein in the brain. The Lewy bodies cause the dementia.
Effects of dementia?
Some of the common symptoms of dementia are as follows:
Memory loss
due to nerve cell damage in the brain.
Increasingly disorientated
Nerve cell damage can result in a person becoming confused.
Poor judgement/trouble concentrating
Not having any spatial awareness due to damaged nerves in the brain.
Physiotherapy for people with dementia
Our specialist physiotherapists at Liverpool Neuro Physio commonly treat people who suffer from dementia. The physiotherapists at Liverpool Neuro Physio will have a good understanding of your condition. They will be able to work with you to produce a realistic treatment plan to improve your quality of life. Physiotherapy treatment will aim at reducing your risk of falls this will help with your safety and will also make you more independent. Some of your treatment at Liverpool Neuro Physio may include:
- Increasing balance and co ordination
- Increasing core stability
- Improving spatial awareness
- Improving transfers (sitting, standing, rolling)
- Reducing risk of falls
- Improving safety
- Maintaining joint flexibility
- Maintaining muscle strength
- Maintaining good range of movement
Physiotherapists at Liverpool Neuro Physio understand that mobility may one area that you may want to work on first. Your physiotherapist will incorporate techniques to work on the basis of getting mobility first if needed. This will include working on balance, stretching and strengthening exercises. The physiotherapy treatment may include assessments you around the house and seeing what is difficult for you. Your physiotherapist will then set specific goals to improve these mobility problems. Your physiotherapist can then help you with advice and guidance on what adaptive equipment can be put into place for you.
Our physiotherapists at Liverpool Neuro Physio offer a special falls prevention service which will greatly increase your safety both inside and outside of your home. Having this in place will help you to be more confident and worry less about how you will cope. The main aim of your physiotherapist is to make you as independent as possible and maintain your quality of life to a good standard so it is enjoyable for you.
Your physiotherapist has sound knowledge into your condition. They will understand that you may suffer with secondary complications to your illness which may affect your mood, judgement and co-ordination. Your physiotherapist will take this into consideration when providing you with a realistic treatment plan and aim to reduce any negative feelings you may be experiencing.
To arrange an appointment or to speak to one of our specialists, call us on 0151 558 0188 or email office@liverpoolneurophysio.co.uk.