Treating Cognition Through Occupational Performance in Individuals With Neurological Disorders in Home Health

Neurological Disorders (ND) like Alzheimer’s Disease, is one of the leading chronic diseases in older adults (National Council on Aging, 2023). One of the most common symptoms of ND is cognitive dysfunction, which prevent individuals with NDs from pursuing their daily occupations (Liu et al., 2019). This makes the exploration of treatment that delays functional decline in NDs imperative. Occupational therapy is valued and recognized in literature, but limited research is specific to cognition in occupational performance in home health. This capstone project used cognitive therapy approaches Cognitive Stimulation Therapy, Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy, and Cognitive Training, to combat cognitive decline and address occupational performance deficits in individuals with ND in the home environment. This project also aimed to advocate for cognitive therapy approaches in home health. The Ecology of Human Performance Framework was used to understand human occupation with the context of cognitive approaches. Project goals were achieved through client-centered cognitive practice and education. Project results supports the benefits of cognitive approaches in client-centered intervention. Occupational therapists may use components of these approaches to help individuals with ND reduce hospital re-admissions and continue successful aging in place