Occupational Therapy Programme of Patients With Dementia Performing Activities of Daily Living

Effectiveness of A Therapy Programme Based On The Reestablishment of Cognitive Functions on The Independence of Patients With Dementia Performing Activities of Daily Living - A Pilot Study

To assess the effectiveness of the Stimulation of Activities of Daily Living (SADL) Occupational Therapy programme on the independence of ADL by persons with dementia who are institutionalized. This programme is based on the recovery of the cognitive functions.

This study is a longitudinal and prospective clinical trial approved by the bioethics Commission of the University of Extremadura. 58 senior citizens institutionalized with dementia in residential homes in Extremadura (Spain) received a treatment focusing on activities of daily living with the SADL programme and with conventional occupational therapy during 5 weeks. The studied variables were the cognitive level and the independence level performing ADL. The variables were measured by an occupational therapist independent to the study at baseline, after 5 weeks of experimental treatment and 6 weeks after the treatment was completed. The standardized tests used were Barthel Index, Lobo's Cognoscitive mini test, Lawton and Brody Scale and Global Deterioration Scale (GDS).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Institutionalization in residential homes at least 6 months before the commencement of the study.
• Diagnosis of dementia for at least one year according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DMS IV) criteria.
• Over 60 years old.
• Barthel Index scores greater than or equal to 40%.
• Lobo´s Cognitive Mini Test scores greater than or equal to 15 points.
• To be included in the BADL intervention programme of Occupational therapy in the previous 6 months and to have the informed consent signed by the legal tutor.

Exclusion Criteria:

• To present psychological or behavior symptoms diagnosed by a doctor.
• Barthel Index scores less than 40%
• Not being included in the BADL intervention programme of Occupational therapy in the previous 6 months.