Abstract
This study examines patients who were rehabilitated in a long-term care facility specializing in the care of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders over a two-year period All of the patients were moderately to severely impaired cognitively on a standardized mental exam and were unable to live outside of a secured, long-term care facility. The patients ranged in age from 80 to 90 years old and were predominantly female. There were 19 patients, all but one of whom had had surgery; five patients had prostheses and 13 had ORIFs. All of the patients receivedphysical therapy q.d. and then q. o.d. for periods ranging from one week (patient deceased) to six months. The mean time of rehabilitation was 10 weeks. At the time of discharge from physical therapy, all of the patients who survived (two deceased), were able to ambulate with or without assistive devices at least 100 feet. some required assistance for safety due to decreased judgement and cognition, four were able to ambulate totally independently ad lib, and five needed supervision only. On follow-up of these patients, several improved on their own after discharge from physical therapy or with follow-up by restorative nursing. For Alzheimer patients, ambulation is a significant quality-of-life issue. These patients were all happier ambulating than in a wheelchair, especially since restraints would have been necessary to keep them there. The findings suggest that patients with Alzheimer's and other dementias may require slightly longer periods of rehabilitation but that the results are well worth the effort.
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