Document Type

Report

College

College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

Department

Occupational Therapy

Degree

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Report Date

2021

Faculty Mentor

Wheeler, Laura G.

Doctoral Experiential Coordinator

Rainville, Ellen B.

Abstract

"Dementia is an umbrella term that includes a variety of symptoms associated with a decline in cognition, memory, and motor functioning. in The United States, the burden of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) is projected to increase from 319 million in 2014 to 417 million by 2060. This progressive neurodegenerative disease significantly impacts a person’s quality of life as evidenced by a decline or deterioration in the ability to functionally carry out daily routines, participate in meaningful activities, and engage in familiar roles. Additionally, individuals with ADRD may present with behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) and in long term care facilities is mainly treated with psychotropic medications. Research using non-pharmacological approaches to decrease BPSD can be successful. This purpose of this doctoral experiential capstone utilized clinical knowledge, review of literature, level two fieldwork experiences, to develop a non-pharmacological program in the form of animal assisted activities (AAA) and related materials to target occupational performance related to stages of dementia in memory care units."

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