The Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health has added physical, occupational and cognitive therapy to its growing list of services that complement medical care for patients with neurodegenerative and neurocognitive diseases.

"This is a 'use it or lose it' approach, in which limbs and memory are exercised at the same time. We call it body-brain cross training," says Jeffrey L. Cummings, MD, Director, Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. "Now we can treat the whole patient and help improve quality of life."

New dimensions of care
The center's cognitive therapy program - the first in Nevada - is a therapist - and computer-assisted program designed to build cognitive reserves. Patients with Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, dementia, traumatic brain injury, head trauma, mild cognitive impairment or memory loss may benefit. It can also be used to optimize brain function in healthy people.

A computer software program activates the brain by asking a series of questions, constantly adjusting the difficulty based on the patient's responses. The program is highly individualized and adaptive, recognizing an individual's performance across sessions.

A brand-new "gym" stocked with the latest games and exercise equipment works the brain along with the muscles. Patients are challenged to perform two tasks simultaneously, such as riding a stationary bike and playing a matching game.

Strength and balance training performed under the guidance of a licensed physical therapist helps prevent falls and gives patients the strength to enjoy daily activities. "As patients get weaker, they may stop going out. Physical therapy keeps them active and lowers the risk of falling," Dr. Cummings explains.

Occupational therapists focus on helping with activities of daily living, such as dressing, grooming, getting in and out of a bathtub and managing a checking account.

The therapists create an individualized plan for each patient and adjust the plan continually based on how the patient responds. Caregivers are closely involved in the therapy process to help identify therapy goals. They are also taught such skills as how to transfer the patient from a bed to a wheelchair.

"We focus on supporting and educating caregivers because they are the key to the patient's success," says Dr. Cummings.

Photo: Physical Therapist Courtney Miller assists Mary Earley with her exercises.