Neurodegenerative Diseases (NDD)-Overview & Intervention

Question 1

What are some examples of neurodegenerative diseases?

Answer 1

MS, parkinson’s disease, ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), guillain-barre syndrome, Huntington’s disease, and dementia

Question 2

Neurodegenerative diseases are defined as?

Answer 2

progressive and usually chronic conditions resulting from damage to the peripheral nervous system, the central nervous system or both

Question 3

What is defined as an impairment of voluntary and spontaneous movement initiation resulting in freezing, especially during gait activities?

Answer 3

akinesia

Question 4

What is defined as slowed motor movements?

Answer 4

bradykinesia

Question 5

What is defined as decreased coordination of movements?

Answer 5

dysmetria

Question 6

What is defined as muscle stiffness that impairs movements?

Answer 6

rigidity

Question 7

What is defined as involuntary muscle contraction and relaxation; observed as a muscle twitch?

Answer 7

fasciculation

Question 8

What are small rapid steps resulting from a forward-tilted head and trunk posture?

Answer 8

festinating gait

Question 9

What is defined as numbness and tingling because of sensory nerve changes?

Answer 9

paresthesia

Question 10

Which areas would an OT use skill assessments for during an evaluation for a client with a neurodegenerative disease?

Answer 10

motor and praxis ability, sensory-perceptual skills, emotional regulation, cognitive ability and communication skills

Question 11

T or F: Compensatory strategies would not be used for OT intervention when working with a client with a neurodegenerative disease.

Answer 11

False, you would teach compensatory strategies as part of your intervention plan

Question 12

T or F: Using problem solving techniques is a form of compensatory strategies

Answer 12

True

Question 13

T or F: Memory aids are not a form of compensatory strategies

Answer 13

False, memory aids and written instructions are compensatory strategies

Question 14

T or F: allowing increased time to complete tasks is not a form of compensatory strategies

Answer 14

False, increased time IS a form of compensatory strategies

Question 15

T or F: Minimizing multitasking is not a form of compensatory strategies.

Answer 15

False, minimizing multitasking IS a form of compensatory strategies

Question 16

Minimizing distractions and interruptions during task completion can be used during OT intervention for clients with neurodegenerative diseases. It would be considered what kind of intervention?

Answer 16

compensatory strategy

Question 17

T or F: Providing training in activity strategies and energy conservation is a form of OT intervention that would be beneficial with clients with neurodegenerative disease.

Answer 17

True

Question 18

Alternating between sitting and standing during tasks is considered what kind of intervention?

Answer 18

Energy conservation

Question 19

Completing higher priority tasks in the morning is what kind of intervention?

Answer 19

Energy conservation

Question 20

What is an example of alternating between periods of rest with periods of activity?

Answer 20

Alternating b/w sitting and standing

Question 21

T or F: using appropriate equipment such as orthotics and powered mobility to minimize energy use is a compensatory strategy.

Answer 21

False, energy conservation

Question 22

T or F: Using ergonomic adaptations to provide head and arm support is a compensatory strategy.

Answer 22

False, activity strategy/energy conservation

Question 23

T or F: You should not encourage patients with neurodegenerative diseases to delegate roles to family members to balance independence with assistance from others during occupational performance.

Answer 23

False, your OT intervention should encourage patients to delegate roles.

Question 24

When planning exercise programs for individuals with neurodegenerative diseases is it better to plan shorter exercises periods everyday or longer exercise periods 3xs/week?

Answer 24

Shorter exercises periods every day- this will be within the client’s limitations and promote a balance of activity performance and rest periods.

Question 25

T or F: Providing environmental modifications and adaptive equipment training for home and work safety and independent task performance should be a part of your OT intervention for a client with a neurodegenerative disease.

Answer 25

True