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The Functional Transitions Model: Maximizing Ability in the Context of Progressive Disability Associated with Alzheimer's Disease*

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 March 2010

Susan Slaughter  and
Jane Bankes
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Abstract

The Functional Transitions Model (FTM) integrates the theoretical notions of progressive functional decline associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD), excess disability, and transitions occurring intermittently along the trajectory of functional decline. Application of the Functional Transitions Model to clinical practice encompasses the paradox of attempting to minimize excess disability while anticipating the progressive functional decline associated with AD. It is suggested that times of functional transition are times of decision making and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration to identify and minimize excess disability, for revision of goals and expectations, and for provision of support to patients and caregivers. The model also is applicable as a conceptual framework for education and research.

Résumé

Le modèle de transition fonctionnelle est conçu selon les principes théoriques du déclin fonctionnel progressif survenant dans la maladie d'Alzheimer (MA), de l'incapacité découlant de la maladie et des phases de transition intermittentes tout au long du déclin fonctionnel. L'application du modèle dans la pratique clinique s'inscrit dans la volonté double de réduire au minimum l'incapacité tout en prévoyant le déclin fonctionnel progressif dans la MA. L'hypothèse étudiée ici veut que les périodes de transition fonctionnelle soient des moments opportuns de prise de décision et de collaboration multidisciplinaire en vue de cerner et de limiter l'incapacité, de revoir les objectifs et les attentes thérapeutiques et d'offrir du soutien aux malades, aux dispensateurs de soins et aux aidants naturels. Le modèle peut également être utile en éducation et en recherche en tant que cadre conceptuel.

Keywords

agingAlzheimer diseasefunctiontransitionexcess disabilitydementiaconceptual frameworkvieillissementmaladie d'Alzheimerétat fonctionneltransitionincapacitédémencecadre conceptuel
Type
Articles
Information
Canadian Journal on Aging / La Revue canadienne du vieillissement , Volume 26 , Issue 1 , Spring/Printemps 2007 , pp. 39 - 47
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Association on Gerontology 2007

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Footnotes

*

This work is funded in part by a Ph.D. studentship held by the first author from the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research. We acknowledge and appreciate the review and comments made on earlier drafts of the paper by Marlene Reimer, R.N., Ph.D., Neil Drummond, Ph.D., and the anonymous reviewers; however, the views expressed in this paper are those of the authors and not necessarily those of our reviewers.

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