Date of Award

2022

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Mandy Meyer

Abstract

Introduction Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD) is a progressive neurological disorder characterized by a decline in cognitive functioning severe enough to impact participation in daily life which can occur for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) at least one year or more following their PD diagnosis (Alzheimer’s Association, 2022b). There are currently almost one million people living with PD in the United States with about two thousand of those individuals living in North Dakota (Alzheimer’s Association, 2022b; Parkinson’s Foundation, 2022b). Studies show that 50-80% of those individuals will develop PDD throughout the course of the illness (Alzheimer’s Association, 2022b). The treatment of PDD requires a holistic approach, due to its combination of physical, cognitive, and sensory symptoms. Occupational therapists are well suited to provide programming for individuals with PDD, however an extensive literature search and review has revealed a gap in the literature specific to occupational therapy (OT) interventions for individuals with PDD. Furthermore, the culture and valued occupations of individuals living with PDD in North Dakota (ND) may differ from those in other parts of the United States.

Purpose The purpose of this scholarly project was to create a program specific to individuals with PDD and their care partners to support participation in daily tasks, quality of life, and well-being. The product, Educational Mini-Series on Parkinson’s Disease Dementia, is a video series consisting of nine short videos addressing education on PDD and other related diagnoses, the multidisciplinary treatment team, and OT strategies to ease participation in activities of daily living (ADLs).

Methodology The product was created through the following methodology: an extensive search and review of the literature, needs assessment, informal observations and interviews, continuing education courses, development and approval of video outlines and scripts, and finally recording and editing the educational videos. Theoretical models including Ecology of Human Performance (EHP) and principles of andragogy and geragogy were used to guide this methodology and the formation of the product (Bastable, Myers, & Arnaud, 2020; Dunn, 2017).

Results and Conclusions The product is intended to be viewed by individuals with PDD and their care partners and is housed on YouTube. The projected outcome of the product is increased participation in daily tasks, quality of life, and well-being for individuals with PDD and their care partners.

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