Rehabilitation of people with dementia
How to slow cognitive decline and benefit patients
Sarit, 67, was diagnosed with dementia at an early stage. “I didn’t want to give up the things that define me,” she says. Together with her daughter and the occupational therapist, a “personal rehabilitation plan” was developed for her: a short daily training session to remember names, safety adjustments at home, and a regular routine of going shopping with a structured list. Fast forward two months—fewer falls, more independence, and the smile is back. Sarit’s story is not unusual; this is what rehabilitation in dementia looks like when done right: personal goals, daily activities, and support for the patient and family.
What does the new global report say?
ADI’s World Alzheimer Report 2025, released each year in September, Alzheimer’s Awareness Month , this year puts the spotlight on rehabilitation for people with dementia: a person-centered, goal-based process that aims to reduce disability, strengthen function and independence, and improve quality of life, at all stages of the disease. The report emphasizes that rehabilitation is not “just another activity” but a systemic approach : individual assessment, setting meaningful goals, consistent practice, environmental adjustments, and involving the family as a full partner throughout the process. There is evidence that comprehensive rehabilitation programs can improve daily functioning, reduce caregiver burden, and even delay the transition to institutional settings, when rehabilitation is implemented early and continues over time.
What does it look like in practice?
The report summarizes a variety of effective programs: goal-focused cognitive interventions; home-based occupational clinics that build a new “way of doing” for daily tasks; multi-component programs that combine physical, cognitive, and social training; and simple environmental and technological adaptations (reminders, home organization, memory aids). The heart of the equation: personal goals (“make breakfast without help,” “get on the bus confidently”), accessible and consistent practice, and guidance for family members on how to support without replacing the person in the activity. Rehabilitation, as the report emphasizes, is a right , not a privilege: it must be integrated into national dementia programs and sustainably funded by health and social services.
Why is this also critical for Israel?
The elderly population is growing, and the prevalence of dementia is climbing. In the absence of rehabilitation, the journey becomes shorter to the loss of independence and an increase in the burden on families. In contrast, consistent rehabilitation – in the community, at home and in clinics – can extend “quality time” with preserved abilities, reduce falls and dependence, and reduce hospitalizations. The report calls on countries to train dedicated personnel (occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech therapists, clinical psychologists), define phase-adapted rehabilitation packages, and ensure accessibility even in the periphery, including through digital means.
And what does it mean for a caring family?
The family is not an “add-on,” it is the heart of success. When family members are taught to break down a task, to provide subtle cues instead of “doing for him,” to build predictable routines, and to use simple memory aids, rehabilitation is created that continues every day at home. The benefit is twofold: preserving abilities for the person with dementia, and reducing emotional and physical burden on the caregiver. The report recommends incorporating regular training and support for caregivers as an integral part of any rehabilitation program.
call for action
The report's message is clear: rehabilitation is a key tool – proven, applicable and ethical. To realize the potential in Israel, the following are required: explicit inclusion of dementia rehabilitation in national policy, clear funding pathways in social funds and services, interprofessional training and certification, and outcome indicators that measure what really matters – functioning, participation and quality of life. This is a change in thinking: from talking about "helplessness" to action that creates capacity.
How canEMDA help?
Amda Association promotes a rehabilitation approach in the community: information and practical guidance, support groups for caregivers, customized activity kits, and links to professional services in the community – with the aim of translating the recommendations into reality at home. If you are dealing with dementia in the family – you are not alone. Contact us at the National Information and Support Center, by phone at *8889 , or join one of our seventy support groups across the country and on Zoom.
Dr. Nati Blum is CEO EMDA Association and holds a PhD in Psychology from the University of Sacramento. Her doctoral dissertation focused on face-to-face group therapy versus virtual group therapy. In her role at EMDA, she harnesses her professional and managerial experience to lead efforts to improve the quality of life of those dealing with dementia, promote their rights, and raise public awareness of the phenomenon in Israel.