Behavioral and Occupational Therapy for Dementia Patients and Caregivers

Occupational and behavioral therapy can support dementia patients and their caregivers in managing cognitive disability, coping with behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia such as depression and anxiety, and in adapting tasks and roles to maintain activities. We provide an overview of existing manuals and report results of focus groups and surveys as steps toward an interdisciplinary intervention in the home setting. In focus-group discussions, behavioral and occupational therapists discussed commonalities and differences, prejudices, barriers in the public health system, and interdisciplinary cooperation. The therapists welcomed increased cooperation but clearly preferred working in teams to an extensive training in matters of another profession. The results suggest that interventions offered by both professions would help advance dementia therapy.