Occupational Therapy Slows Alzheimer's Decline in Recent Clinical Trial

A new clinical trial suggests home-based occupational therapy may not slow down the physical decline that comes with Alzheimer's disease. The focus of the study was whether home visits from occupational therapists could put the brakes on Alzheimer's patients' "functional decline." In addition to memory, day-to-day functioning decreases as the brain disorder progresses. People gradually lose their ability to perform routine tasks, including making meals, using household items and bathing and dressing. The goal of occupational therapy is to help family caregivers manage those difficulties.