Role of Rehabilitation in the Management of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias: Healthcare Provider Perspectives.

Abstract

IntroductionAlthough rehabilitation can improve the quality of life of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's disease-related dementias (AD/ADRD), awareness and acceptance of its benefits vary across healthcare providers and care settings. The aim of this study was to explore the perspectives of healthcare providers on the adoption and utilization of rehabilitation among individuals with AD/ADRD.MethodsWe adopted an exploratory qualitative descriptive study design using semi-structured interviews. Using purposive sampling, ten healthcare providers that provide rehabilitation services for individuals with AD/ADRD were recruited from the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC), University of Pittsburgh and the University of Pittsburgh Pepper Center.ResultsParticipants emphasized the substantial potential benefits of rehabilitation for this population. Interview data indicated that several participants viewed rehabilitation services as significantly enhancing the quality of life and wellbeing of individuals with AD/ADRD. Feedback underscored the important role of rehabilitation in optimizing care for individuals with AD/ADRD and highlighted key barriers to its broader implementation.ConclusionsOverall, the findings suggest that rehabilitation offers meaningful value in the management of AD/ADRD. Although participants identified several barriers, rehabilitation services were consistently viewed as beneficial for individuals with AD/ADRD. Addressing these gaps will be important for strengthening the effectiveness and reach of rehabilitation services.