June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month: How PT and OT Can Help

June marks Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, a time to recognize the impact of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, support those affected, and raise awareness about care strategies that improve quality of life.

At North Shore Mobility & Wellness, we believe in the power of movement, function, and compassion. Our team of Physical and Occupational Therapists plays a vital role in supporting individuals living with Alzheimer’s—not just to manage symptoms, but to promote independence, safety, and dignity.

🧠 Understanding the Challenge of Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, cognition, behavior, and eventually physical functioning. As the disease progresses, individuals often struggle with:

• Mobility and balance

• Self-care tasks (dressing, bathing, eating)

• Sensory processing and spatial awareness

• Communication and social participation

This is where PT and OT become essential partners in care.

🏃‍♀️ How Physical Therapy Helps

Physical Therapists focus on maintaining and improving:

• Mobility and strength: Keeping muscles active reduces deconditioning and promotes independence.

• Balance and fall prevention: Reduces risk of injury and supports safe movement at home and in the community.

• Gait training: Supports safe walking and movement using assistive devices when necessary.

• Pain management: Helps manage physical discomfort that can exacerbate confusion or agitation.

Even in the later stages of Alzheimer’s, movement and physical engagement improve circulation, mood, and sleep patterns.

🖐 How Occupational Therapy Helps

Occupational Therapists help individuals with Alzheimer’s maintain daily function through:

• Activities of daily living (ADLs): Helping with dressing, bathing, eating, and grooming strategies to support independence.

• Home safety assessments: Modifying the home environment to reduce fall risk, confusion, and sensory overload.

• Routine and structure: Creating simple, effective routines that decrease frustration and improve focus.

• Caregiver education: Teaching strategies to support communication, reduce agitation, and make daily tasks more manageable.

OTs focus on preserving dignity and independence, meeting individuals where they are in their journey.

💜 Supporting Families & Caregivers

We know Alzheimer’s affects more than just the person diagnosed—it impacts entire families. At North Shore Mobility & Wellness, we work with caregivers to:

• Provide hands-on training

• Offer emotional support

• Create safe and engaging care plans tailored to each individual’s stage of the disease

You are not alone. With the right team and tools, there is still joy, connection, and movement to be found each day.

📅 This June, Let’s Take Action

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia, early intervention with PT and OT can make a meaningful difference. Let us help you stay strong, safe, and supported at every stage of the journey.

📞 Call us at 978-883-6026📧 Email us at info@northshoremobilitypt.com🌐 Learn more at www.northshoremobilitypt.com

Together, we can honor Brain Awareness Month by empowering lives through movement, care, and compassion. 💜