Brown, C., Stoffel, V.C., & Munoz, J. (2019). Occupational therapy in mental health: A vision for participation (2nd ed.). F.A. Davis.

James, D. (2024). Neurocognitive disorders (Dementias). [PowerPoint]. https://kodiak.wne.edu/d2l/le/content/114052/viewContent/1711066/View 

World Health Organization. (2020, September 21). Dementia. https://www.who.int/news-room/factsheets/detail/dementia 

Audience: Client 

Diagnosis(es)/Condition(s): Neurocognitive disorders

Age Range/Population: All ages

Purpose: The purpose of this activity is to improve wayfinding—"the ability to navigate one's environment"—which is often a challenge for individuals with dementia (Fallon et al., 2022). Research has shown that placing personalized memory boxes on residents' doors can enhance room-finding abilities, with 50% of residents demonstrating improved way-finding skills (Fallon et al., 2022). These improvements are essential for this population, as they support safety and well-being by compensating for deficits in executive functioning. Additionally, memory boxes can foster conversation among residents and staff, strengthening interpersonal relationships. The familiar, personalized items within the boxes also assist with memory recall, helping to reduce confusion and anxiety while promoting emotional comfort.  

Instructions: The Modified Interest Checklist (MIC) was administered to clients to gather information about their interests and engagement levels in activities. Information from family and gathered results were used to organize potential objects to be used in the box. Once materials are gathered, the client can decorate the photo box, and it can be used as decoration or a keepsake. 

Rationale & Impact on Function: The project has been seen to promote social engagement and offer opportunities for reconnection. The positive effects of wayfinding indicate improved safety and emergency maintenance. This addresses leisure participation with personalized items based on the client's interests. The boxes allow the clients to tell their stories which can improve social participation and interaction with others.

Reference(s): Fallon, M., Guiliano, K., Maud, M., Sinko, J., & Fanelli, L.L. (2022). Memory boxes improve wayfinding. OT Practice, 27(2), 20-23. https://www.aota.org/-/media/corporate/files/secure/publications/otp/2022/otp-volume-27-issue-2-2022.pdf 

Audience: Client 

Diagnosis(es)/Condition(s): Neurocognitive disorders

Age Range/Population: All ages

Purpose: The purpose of this activity is to facilitate cognitive stimulation with movement. Various types of movement including chair stretching & exercises, ball-tossing, balance & coordination exercises guided using memory matching by following the leader can be implemented to promote physical activity. The movements will require attention, perceptual-motor functioning, learning, memory, and executive functioning to execute, all of which are domains that should be stimulated to prevent further neurocognitive decline. Implementing music and rhythm into the activities can engage auditory processing and motor coordination to further promote cognitive stimulation. 

Instructions: The session can combine any sort of movement relative to the client's mobility and cognitive abilities. Standing or walking tasks can be used if the client possesses the endurance and general balance to withstand the load. Using YouTube videos for seated chair exercises can be useful, especially when the therapist is demonstrating and participating to encourage motor function and attention to match the movements. Ball-tossing can be integrated into exercises to assist in hand-eye coordination and motor skills. 

Rationale & Impact on Function: Evidence shows that exercise interventions can help improve ADLs by improving functional mobility, endurance, balance, and resistance needed to handle tasks like showering and dressing (Smallfield & Heckenlaible, 2017). Movement has also been seen to enhance sleep performance (Smallfield & Heckenlaible, 2017). Physical activity is a subset under health management, which is directly involved, but also requires more cognitive functioning than anticipated.  When applied in different settings, could facilitate improved social participation and leisure and enhance motor, process, and social interaction performance skills. Repeated occurrences can result in habit and routine formation to promote functional performance and engagement in daily activities.

Reference(s): Smallfield, S. & Heckenliable, C. (2017). Effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions to enhance occupational performance for adults with Alzheimer's disease and related major neurocognitive disorders: A systematic review. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 71(5), 7105180010p1–7105180010p9. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2017.024752 

Smallfield, S., Metzger, L., Green, M., Henley, L., & Rhodus, E.K. (2024). Occupational therapy practice guidelines for adults living with Alzheimer's disease and related neurocognitive disorders. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 78(1), 7801397010. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2024.078101 

The American Occupational Therapy Association. (2023). Occupational therapy services for Alzheimer's disease. AOTA. https://www.aota.org/-/media/corporate/files/practice/ask-for-ot/askforotservicesforalzheimersdisease.pdf