Leveraging Existing Abilities in Dementia (LEAD™) Rehabilitation Framework

Together, Nicole Dawson, PT, PhD (University of Central Florida) and Katherine Judge, PhD (Cleveland State University) developed a resource to assist and guide rehabilitation professionals (physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech-language pathologist) in treating patients with dementia.

The framework, Leveraging Existing Abilities in Dementia (LEAD™), builds upon prior research findings indicating: 1) the positive impact of dementia education and training programs for nursing staff and informal caregivers; 2) individuals with dementia (IWDs) can benefit  from rehabilitation as much as individuals without dementia; and 3) the importance of utilizing a person-centered approach that focuses on understanding the needs and abilities of the individual within their current environment. The framework also addresses barriers reported by healthcare providers, including rehabilitation professionals, in working with IWDs, such as lack of dementia knowledge and confidence in daily practice, management of cognitive and emotional behaviors related to dementia, and limited understanding of how to communicate with and engage with these patients.

Drs. Dawson and Judge developed and successfully implemented a training program based on the LEAD™ framework. The LEAD™ training program includes educational information about dementia and the impact across multiple domains of function including cognition, physical performance, and psychosocial well-being. It has been found to be impactful in improving confidence and upgraded practice patterns in service provision for patients with dementia in home health therapists.