2021 Volume 41 Issue 2 Pages 204-209
In general, the treatment of dementia often focuses on cognitive functions and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, but the essence of the problem of dementia is the impairment of daily life. For people with dementia and their families, it is important to maintain not only cognitive functions but also physical functions and life skills including activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental ADL, and treatment and support should be implemented from this perspective. Decline in physical function and deterioration in medical general condition are major factors that inhibit daily living and activities and worsen BPSD. Therefore, it is recommended to provide physical therapy to prevent falls, reconsider prescriptions, and educational guidance to prevent lifestyle-related diseases. In addition, since people with dementia are easily affected by environmental changes such as refraining from activities due to COVID-19 leading to an increased burden of care, our efforts should be made in cooperation with caregivers to maintain daily living and activities as much as possible by appropriately using home exercise program for older people (HEPOP) and long-term care insurance services.
