Ecopsychosocial Interventions for Cognitive Decline
Typically the first treatment of choice for physicians when addressing cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease, and other dementia is a pharmacological approach. Unfortunately, despite decades of research, there is still no medication to treat neurocognitive disorders. A person may be prescribed medication that may help with the symptoms of cognitive decline, such as anxiety, restlessness, and sleep disorders, but often these drugs have side effects and may even sedate the person living with dementia so much that it interferes with daily activities.
There is, however, another treatment approach that not only addresses the symptoms of a neurocognitive disorder but can improve the quality of life for both the person and the family members providing care and has no side effects! Once referred to as a “nonpharmacological” approach, which only describes what the intervention is not (not a drug) and not what the intervention is, is underutilized because of a lack of awareness and funding for training families.
Ecopsycosocial interventions focus’s on learning communication techniques, teaching strategies for connectedness and engagement, and using a whole-body approach by addressing the environment and the physical, cognitive, social, expressive, and spiritual needs of the person and the family. Interventions include music, exercise, visual arts, reminiscent therapy, validation therapy, and tapping into hobbies and meaningful activities.
So why are families not using this approach? Because it is not as easy as just dispensing a pill that they think might help. The day-to-day stress that a family member can experience when caring for a loved one diagnosed with dementia may feel like additional work. When in reality, this can be easily done with the appropriate training. Research shows that staying engaged with the person with memory loss and participating in activities together can reduce many symptoms, such as anxiety and worry. When someone is engaged in a meaningful activity, there is no need to exhibit the stress that the person so often feels.
Many families find that developing a meaningful daily routine early into the diagnosis will make the progression of memory loss much easier. Begin the morning at breakfast (yes, eat together) and perhaps share a daily scripture to engage in a conversation. Taking a morning walk together and plan time during the day to enjoy music, dance, and sing.
Medications may be helpful in some types of dementia, but learning how to validate your family member’s feelings, avoiding correcting your loved one on inaccurate facts, and allowing the person to have purpose and meaning in their life by reminiscing events, can make for a much pleasant and less stressful day. These interventions are not only helpful to the person living with memory loss but a natural way for the family members providing care to take care of their own well-being and improve their quality of life.
If you are interested in learning about our Memory Cafe, our Virtual Family Support Group or need information about our Memory Ministry please contact Vicky Pitner, CDP, at vpitner@firstumc.org.