[What is the evidence that the role of the Occupational Therapist is fundamental in intervention with those who have been diagnosed with early forms of Dementia?]

by

Abstract

Introduction

Dementia has been identified as a condition prevalent among patients that is associated with permanent, or even in some instances, irrevocable damages to different functions and parts of the brain which include thinking, comprehension, retention, memory, judgment and ultimately behaviour of the patient associated with the problem. According to current and recent research undertaken, an estimated 820,000 people living and residing in the United Kingdom, costing the economy £23 billion towards nursing and treatment for dementia, twice in comparison to the cost borne in nursing for diseases such as cancer and heart disease combined.

Focus

This review investigates whether or not the role of the occupational therapist is fundamental in early dementia care. The main focus of the research is on how has occupational therapy evolved with reference to the constant changes prevalent in the world today and its relation with nursing for patients diagnosed with dementia.

Method

A literature based research project conducted to answer this exploratory question. Of 17 potential articles, following application of inclusion and exclusion criteria and quality assessment, qualitative data was extracted from 6 of the articles.

Findings

With reference to the findings that have occurred in taken place in the research, the research proved positive in terms of how significantly does the occupational therapist influence the changing treatment of the kind of issues and concerns involved in the realm of nursing and tries to gauge its effect on the kind of changes that have occurred in treating dementia.

Conclusion

Occupational Therapists play an important, pivotal role in the development and improvement of patients that are diagnosed with Dementia and are adopting occupational therapy as their last resort to a comparatively healthier and improved lifestyle.

However, in order for them to be fully effective, they must be acquainted and involved in different trainings, coaching sessions and refresher programs, who could actually make way for interpersonal and internal improvement of character and comprehension of the kind of issues and concerns associated with these patients.

Finally, focus should also be input upon the kind of patients who are involved and have incorporated the kind of issues and concerns associated with patients of Dementia and that precisely how much effort shall be required by an OT to improve the current condition of the patient.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would take this opportunity to thank my research supervisor, family and friends for their support and guidance without which this research would not have been possible.

DECLARATION

I, [type your full first names and surname here], declare that the contents of this dissertation/thesis represent my own unaided work, and that the dissertation/thesis has not previously been submitted for academic examination towards any qualification. Furthermore, it represents my own opinions and not necessarily those of the University (Andrist, 2006,, 5).

Signed __________________ Date _________________

Table of Contents

ABSTRACTII

Introductionii

Focusii

Methodii

Findingsiii

Conclusioniii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTIV

DECLARATIONV

1.0 - INTRODUCTION1

1.1 Rationale1

1.2 Current Literature1

1.3 Relevance to Occupational Therapy3

1.4 Research Question3

1.5 Aim4

1.6 Objectives4

2.0 - METHODOLOGY5

2.1 Defining a literature based research ...