2024-03-13 00:00:00
Alzheimer’s disease is complex because it involves cognitive, psychological and behavioral disorders that impact the psychological, social and even physical functioning of the person (not to mention the impact on the daily life of those around them).
Thus, each sick person is different in the singularity of their disorders… As Guillaume Sacco, hospital practitioner and head of the geriatric brain and movement clinical department (Nice University Hospital) points out: “ when we talk regarding Alzheimer’s disease, we immediately think of memory problems ».
And to continue: “ but many sick people also suffer from behavioral disorders, which impair their quality of life and contribute significantly to the burden on caregivers. Non-drug interventions are essential to soothe and reduce these disorders and thus improve their quality of life. ».
INMs are distinguished from general public health recommendations, sociocultural activities and even alternative medicine. Their aim is to maintain and improve cognitive, physical, psychological, sensory and social abilities. In this spirit, they must be thought out, designed and adapted to the needs and difficulties of people. Indeed, an intervention adapted to the person is a guarantee of effectiveness.
However, several questions must be asked before offering INM to a sick person: who should it be offered to? In what context ? When is it contraindicated? How long does the procedure last? Its frequency? Does the professional supervising the intervention have the training or knowledge required for its implementation? Do we have the human and material resources to implement it?
As Hélène Jacquemont, president of the Médéric Alzheimer Foundation, indicates: “ INMs have always been at the center of support for people living with Alzheimer’s disease, but today many of them – art therapy, music therapy, animal mediation, cognitive stimulation, etc. – have demonstrated their effectiveness ».
And to continue: “ if the arrival of new targeted therapies gives rise to new hope, INMs are currently the only possible options to allow them to improve their cognitive, psychological, social, physical capacities and more generally their quality of life ».
Today, these INMs are strongly anchored in the field as shown by the latest national survey by the Foundation Observatory, carried out in 2019 among reception and support systems.
Thus, almost all (97%) of EHPADs and 96% of day centers that responded to the survey declared offering one or more INM for sick people, for caregivers and for the caregiver-care recipient couple.
Convinced of the essential role of INMs, the Médéric Alzheimer Foundation has made them a priority for action for several years. Today, it is publishing an enriched version of its practical guide, the result of collaborative work between professionals and academics.
This book does not replace the training required to implement INMs, but offers better knowledge and understanding of the characteristics of each intervention. It helps professionals in their daily support.
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