La terapia ocupacional en la enfermedad de Huntingtonalargando la autonomía

Abstract

We describe the results of a research conducted from 2009 to 2014 with nine patients affected by Huntington's disease at the Castille and Leon Huntington's Chorea Association (Burgos-based). We carried out a research by purposes through the design and implementation of an intervention program, from occupational therapy, aimed at alleviating the deterioration caused by the disease through training in daily living activities and cognitive stimulation, and developing skills into the family. The program evaluation is done through standard tests (Lobo Test -Spanish adaptation of the Mini-mental State Examination-, Barthel Index and Tinetti Test), tracking sheets and family group meetings with professionals. The Barthel Index shows that patients remain independent in daily living activities after participating in the program. Although Huntington's disease is degenerative, the program has served to halt the deterioration of the affected people, to maintain its functionality and to develop skills into the family.