The ABCs of Alzheimer's Treatment

Physical Therapy to Slow your Progression

It is estimated that over 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s. With continued increases in the aging population, the number of our friends and family impacted by Alzheimer’s is only going to increase. But research by physical therapists is showing great promise in the treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Alzheimer’s Disease is a progressive condition; one of the main treatment goals is to slow the disease progression. Movement and cognitive challenges supported by Physical Therapy are vital elements of treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease. At FYZICAL, we like to think about the ABCs of treatment:

Aerobic Exercise has been shown to improve circulation to the brain, which can improve cognitive functioning. Regular exercise has been shown to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s. Adding in challenges to cognition (ex. “Tell me an animal that is red. Then spell it backwards.”) forces you to think while improving oxygen flow to the brain.  

Balance Rehabilitation is a specialized area of physical therapy that requires advanced equipment to keep you safe. Balance rehab is not simply leg strengthening, but forces you to challenge your sensory systems for balance. FYZICAL uses our Safety Overhead System (SOS) to keep you safe and get you the progress you need to stay independent.

Continence is a topic few people want to talk about, but at FYZICAL, our highly trained pelvic floor physical therapists are experts at treating bladder leaks. Not only can you stay dry, but pelvic floor issues can increase your risk of falling by over 3 times.

If you have questions about what physical therapy might do for you or a loved one, please don’t hesitate to “Call Before You Fall.”

Submitted by Dr. Lauren Collier Peterson, PT, DPT

Clinical Director FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers of Oklahoma City

Dr. Peterson and her staff provide Physical Therapy for patients with pelvic floor dysfunction, imbalance and falls risk, & orthopedic injuries in OKC.

She has treated hundreds of men and women with pelvic floor issues ranging from incontinence and constipation to pain and prolapse. While she has a particular clinical interest in pelvic pain disorders, she wants everyone to enjoy good pelvic health and to know that “Leaks are not normal!”