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. 2014 Jul-Sep;8(3):285-290.
doi: 10.1590/S1980-57642014DN83000013.

Interdisciplinary Therapy for patients with dementia

Maysa Luchesi Cera  1 , Daniela Cristina Carvalho de Abreu  2 , Rosângela de Abreu Venancio Tamanini  3 , Amanda Carla Arnaut  4 , Patrícia Pupin Mandrá  5 , Carla da Silva Santana  6
Affiliations

Interdisciplinary Therapy for patients with dementia

Maysa Luchesi Cera et al. Dement Neuropsychol. 2014 Jul-Sep.

Abstract
in English, Portuguese

Patients with dementia require rehabilitation involving several health professionals, where interdisciplinary care can further enhance the routine of patients and their families.

Objective: To compare the functional performance of elderly with dementia before and after an interdisciplinary intervention program provided by a healthcare service of medium complexity.

Methods: Three cases with clinically-confirmed dementia enrolled on an interdisciplinary rehabilitation program were reported. The following instruments were applied: Mini Mental-State Exam, Clinical Dementia Rating, Geriatric Depression Scale, Lawton & Brody Index, and the Functional Independence Measure for adults (FIM). The therapeutic strategies were individualized and designed based on patient performance on the FIM, according to the criteria of the Classification of Functionality, Disability and Health, implemented at the house of therapy of the Center for Integrated Rehabilitation together with provision of guidance.

Results: A reduction in functional dependence was observed after intervention, evidenced by less supervision needed to carry out Activities of Daily Living.

Conclusion: The three patients benefited from the interdisciplinary intervention.

Pacientes com demência necessitam de reabilitação com vários profissionais da saúde e a atenção interdisciplinar pode favorecer ainda mais a rotina do paciente e sua família.

Objetivo: Comparar o desempenho funcional de idosos com demência antes e após um programa de estimulação interdisciplinar de um serviço de atenção à saúde de média complexidade.

Métodos: Relato de três casos com diagnóstico médico de demência usuários de um programa de reabilitação interdisciplinar. Foram aplicados os instrumentos: Mini Exame do Estado Mental, Clinical Dementia Rating, Geriatric Depression Scale, Índice de Lawton & Brody e Medida de Independência Funcional para adultos (MIF). As estratégias terapêuticas foram individualizadas, delineadas a partir do desempenho na MIF, com base, nos domínios da Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade, Incapacidade e Saúde, exercidas em uma casa terapêutica e associadas a orientações.

Resultados: Após a intervenção, houve redução da dependência funcional, que evidencia diminuição da supervisão necessária para a realização das Atividades de Vida Diária.

Conclusão: Os três pacientes se beneficiaram da intervenção interdisciplinar.

Keywords: dementia; interdisciplinary communication; patient care team; therapy.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure: The authors report no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Results on Functional Independence Measure (FIM), pre and postintervention, for the three clinical cases assessed.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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