L25 The Role Of Occupational Therapy In The Care Of Individuals With Huntington's Disease

Abstract

<h3>Background</h3> Huntington’s disease (HD) is a brain disease affecting an individual’s movement, cognition, and behaviours. This results in a progressive decline of their ability to perform activities of daily living. With this overall functional decline, occupational therapy has the opportunity to play a role in the management of symptoms and the maintenance of quality of life for individuals affected by Huntington’s disease and their families. <h3>Aim</h3> To identify the role of occupational therapy on a multidisciplinary team caring for individuals affected by HD. <h3>Method</h3> After a literature review on research related to occupational therapy and Huntington’s disease, relevant information was integrated into one comprehensive source for professionals working within the HD community. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Occupational therapists have the skills and tools necessary to be a part of the multidisciplinary team caring for individuals with HD at any stage of the disease. <h3>Disclosure</h3> Katharine Moser, OTD, OTR/L, is Manager of Advocacy and Patient Support at Lundbeck LLC (Deerfield, IL). The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author alone, independent of Lundbeck. The research reflected in this article was part of a capstone project of the author’s work in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy graduate program at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions.