Ace Physiotherapy and Sports in Singapore
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Chat With Us
+65 81535374 -
ACE PHYSIO SPORTS
East gate Building, 46 East Coast Road
#08-03 Singapore 428766 -
Opening Hours
Mon to Fri: 08:00am - 8:00pm -
Opening Hours
Sat: 08:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday (By prior appointment)
Dementia
Dementia is a decline in cognitive ability in someone who was previously functioning normally. It is an umbrella term used to describe a range of symptoms that arise when the brain is affected by certain conditions. Reduced cognitive function can also impact physical abilities. Physiotherapy can support individuals with dementia by helping them maintain independence, mobility, and the ability to carry out everyday activities for as long as possible.
Symptoms of dementia
Individuals with dementia may appear confused, disoriented, or even delusional. They might not know the current month or season and may believe they are in a different place or time. Repeated questioning on these matters can sometimes lead to anxiety, agitation, or aggression.
People with dementia often experience mood changes, appearing withdrawn, depressed, or, at times, inappropriate in public—such as speaking loudly, being rude, or removing clothing without reason. Communication can be challenging due to memory loss and reduced reasoning skills.
It is crucial that family members and carers understand the condition and use effective, compassionate methods of communication to support individuals with dementia.
Types of dementia
Dementia can be either fixed or progressive. A fixed cognitive impairment, often resulting from a traumatic brain injury, remains stable and does not worsen over time. In contrast, progressive dementia gradually deteriorates and typically affects adults over the age of 65.
The most common types of dementia include Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, frontotemporal dementia, Korsakoff’s syndrome, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.
Causes of dementia
The exact cause of dementia is not fully understood. However, certain factors can increase the risk of developing the condition. These include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and a sedentary lifestyle. A personal medical history of conditions such as Huntington’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Down’s syndrome, or HIV, as well as a family history of dementia, can also raise the risk.
Some risk factors, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and obesity, can be modified with guidance and support from a team of healthcare professionals.
Diagnosis of dementia
A diagnosis of dementia is usually made by a geriatrician or neurologist. Typically, the individual will have experienced symptoms for at least six months and may score poorly on cognitive assessments such as the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Additional tests, including blood work, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are used to rule out other potential causes of cognitive difficulties and to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment of dementia
Dementia can significantly affect both the individual’s and the caregiver’s quality of life, making holistic care essential. Each person’s needs are different: some in the early stages of dementia may be able to live independently at home, while others may require constant supervision and assistance with daily activities.
- Medication – to manage symptoms and slow progression.
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) – to support mental wellbeing.
- Physiotherapy – to maintain mobility, strength, and independence.
- Pain management – to improve comfort and quality of life.
- Occupational therapy – to help adapt daily tasks and the living environment.
- Speech and language therapy – to support communication skills.
- Reminiscence therapy – using music, photographs, and discussion to reflect on life experiences, which can be both enjoyable and therapeutic.
Physiotherapy for dementia
Physiotherapy assessments at acephysiosports.com can be conducted in the clinic, at home, or within a 24-hour care facility. It is often helpful to have a friend or relative present to provide a detailed account of the individual’s medical history, daily routine, challenges, and hobbies. Following a thorough neurological assessment, a list of the individual’s challenges will be created, along with realistic goals and a personalised treatment plan tailored to their specific needs. A general physiotherapy treatment plan for someone with dementia may include:
- Mobility and balance training – to reduce the risk of falls and improve walking confidence.
- Strengthening exercises – to maintain muscle tone and support functional movements.
- Range of motion exercises – to preserve joint flexibility and prevent stiffness.
- Posture correction – to reduce strain and improve comfort during daily activities.
- Functional task training – practising everyday activities to maintain independence.
- Pain management techniques – including gentle massage, stretching, and positioning advice.
- Cognitive-motor exercises – combining physical movement with memory or attention tasks.
- Education and carer guidance – teaching caregivers safe handling techniques and ways to encourage participation in exercises.
Depending on the severity of dementia, an individual’s communication, understanding, and memory may be affected. This can make it challenging for them to engage in therapy, understand the purpose of exercises, or remember to perform exercises independently.
To address this, our experienced clinicians at acephysiosports.com incorporate functional everyday activities into therapy. Tasks such as walking to the bathroom or polishing a table are used as purposeful exercises to encourage participation while achieving specific goals. Activities like catching a ball help improve upper limb strength and coordination, while kicking a ball works on dynamic balance and lower limb strength.
Our physiotherapists also assess the need for mobility aids and provide training in the safe use of sticks, zimmer frames, or outdoor walkers when appropriate.
Carer education is an essential part of physiotherapy for dementia. Our physiotherapists provide demonstrations, verbal instructions, and written guidance to carers to ensure 24-hour holistic care. Carers are taught how to use equipment safely, assist with positioning in bed, and support safe transfers and walking.
- Improved mobility and balance – reducing the risk of falls and promoting independence.
- Strength maintenance – preserving muscle tone to support everyday activities.
- Enhanced coordination – through purposeful exercises like catching or kicking a ball.
- Pain relief and comfort – using gentle stretching, massage, and positioning techniques.
- Support for daily activities – practising functional tasks such as walking, standing, or household chores.
- Safe use of mobility aids – teaching individuals and carers how to use sticks, walkers, or frames effectively.
- Carer education – empowering caregivers with skills to assist safely and confidently.
- Holistic wellbeing – improving confidence, independence, and overall quality of life.
Why choose acephysiosports.com?
At acephysiosports.com, we understand that dementia can significantly affect the quality of life for both individuals and their carers. Our specialist clinicians have extensive experience working with people living with dementia and provide holistic, personalised care tailored to each individual’s needs, helping to achieve the highest possible quality of life.
- Experienced clinicians – specialised in supporting individuals with dementia.
- Holistic care – addressing physical, cognitive, and emotional needs.
- Personalised treatment plans – tailored to the individual’s specific requirements.
- Support for carers – guidance and education to enhance 24-hour care.
- Improved quality of life – promoting independence, mobility, and wellbeing.
At acephysiosports.com, we can help significantly improve an individual’s physical abilities and reduce impairments, even when cognition is affected by dementia. To book an appointment or speak with an experienced physiotherapist about dementia care, call +65 81535374 or book online today at acephysiosports.com.
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Mon - Fri: 8am - 8pm
Sat: 8am - 4pm
Sun: On Appointment Basis
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