APPLICATION OF NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL INTERVENTIONS IN THE TREATMENT OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND OTHER DEMENTIAS

Abstract

Dementias, the most common of which is Alzheimer’s disease, represent a global public health problem, and the number of people affected continues to increase in line with demographic trends. As there is currently no effective cure, early diagnosis and the application of appropriate therapeutic procedures are crucial. Although they cannot replace pharmacological therapy, nonpharmacological interventions contribute to alleviating dementia symptoms, improving daily functioning, and preserving the quality of life of patients and their families. This paper systematizes current knowledge on the most commonly used nonpharmacological interventions in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia—reminiscence, validation therapy, cognitive stimulation, music therapy, animal-assisted therapy, creative therapy, physical activity and rehabilitation, multisensory stimulation, reality orientation therapy, and complementary techniques—with an analysis of their effects on improving patients’ psychosocial wellbeing and quality of life. The paper also highlights the importance of an individualised approach in the application of these interventions, as well as the role of multidisciplinary team collaboration in providing adequate care. Its scientific contribution lies in promoting a deeper understanding of these methods, offering guidelines for their practical application in the rehabilitation of individuals with dementia, and informing future research.