Clinically proven therapies
The Science of StabilitY
Vestibular Rehabilitation Using Dynamic Posturography
Eytan A. David, MD, FRCSC and Navid Shahnaz, PhD
Therapies
Dementia Reduction
Dementia is a broad term used to describe a decline in cognitive function severe enough to interfere with daily life.
Over 20 years of clinical experience showed that individuals with chronic dizziness often experienced higher rates of dementia.A new study which included over 2 Million people confirmed that vestibular loss is a major risk factor for developing dementia.
StabilityLAB treatment for dementia reduction can enhance cognitive function, preserve neural integrity, and contribute to a proactive strategy in combating dementia.
Dementia is often caused by damage or disease in the brain, with Alzheimer's disease being the most common cause.
Dementia, with its far-reaching impact on cognitive function and quality of life, presents a significant challenge in our aging society. However, emerging research suggests that interventions targeting the vestibular system, such as CVRT, may hold promise in mitigating cognitive decline and promoting brain health.
At StabilityLAB, our pioneering approach to dementia reduction treatment (CVRT) enhances cognitive function, preserves neural integrity, and ultimately contributes to a proactive strategy in combating dementia.
What Causes Dementia?
Dementia is a broad term used to describe a decline in cognitive function severe enough to interfere with daily life. It is not a specific disease but rather a group of symptoms associated with a decline in memory, reasoning, communication, and other cognitive abilities.
Symptoms of dementia may include memory loss, confusion, difficulty with problem-solving, changes in mood or behavior, and challenges with language and communication. Dementia is progressive and worsens over time, significantly impacting an individual’s ability to function independently.
“Vestibular loss increases the risk of dementia by 8%.” StabilityLAB’s proven balance protocols can give you the advantage to push the needle in your favor.
Lim, Son, Chung, Kim, Choi, Choi, 2023
View all Publications
Dynamic posturography after computerized vestibular retraining for stable unilateral vestibular deficits
Eytan A. David, MD, FRCSC
and Navid Shahnaz, PhD
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What is CVRT?
Vestibular rehabilitation is a form of physical therapy used to treat vestibular disorders or symptoms. Exercises are designed to reduce or eliminate issues affecting overall stability and daily function.
One newer approach to vestibular rehabilitation is computerized dynamic posturography–assisted vestibular retraining, or “computerized vestibular retraining therapy” (CVRT) for short. This is a non-invasive technique that uses interactive technology to support balance retraining.
The technology measures how your sensory systems are helping you stay upright in different conditions. Training exercises become more challenging as you move through treatment to improve your overall stability.
Who is a Candidate
for CVRT Dementia
Reduction Treatment?
Continued expressions of imbalance, sensitivity to motion, or dizziness persisting even after undergoing vestibular rehabilitation interventions. Mild cognitive decline or early dementia diagnosis.
While CVRT is primarily used to address vestibular dysfunction and balance issues, it may indirectly offer benefits for individuals with dementia, particularly in terms of cognitive function and overall well-being.
Enhanced Spatial Awareness
CVRT exercises can improve spatial orientation and awareness, which may help individuals with dementia navigate their surroundings more effectively, reducing the risk of falls and promoting safety.
Improved Mobility
By targeting balance and gait impairments, CVRT can enhance mobility and stability, enabling individuals with dementia to maintain independence in activities of daily living and engage in physical activities more safely.
Cognitive Stimulation
Engaging in CVRT exercises requires attention, concentration, and coordination, providing cognitive stimulation that may help preserve cognitive function and slow the progression of dementia-related symptoms.
Longevity and strength come from the power of Stability. Regain your mental and physical strength.
To avoid injury, Stability is the key ingredient.
Stability is how efficiently and safely forces can be transmitted through our bodies.
To avoid injury, Stability is the key ingredient.
The Diagnostic Battery for Concussion Treatment
Objective tests of balance function will determine the type of therapy required
Based on the pattern of intake test results, a comprehensive and personalized multi-modal computerized vestibular retraining treatment plan (the DaVID Concussion Protocol) is delivered over twelve 40 minute sessions.
Bone Conduction Vestibular Stimulation (BCVS) is used as a noninvasive method to stimulate the vestibular system. Concussion treatment and pre/post treatment objective stability metrics are provided for all products.
COG (Center of gravity measurement)
Objective measurement of stability
LOS (Limits of stability measurement
Objective assessment of limits of stability before falling
SOT (Sensory organization test)
Computerized Dynamic Posturography, an objective measure of global balance function
SR (Sensory ratio)
Analysis of CDP responses which can determine relative weighting of vision, joint position sense (somatosensory), and inner ear contributions to overall stability
How does a Dementia Reduction treatment work?
CVRT has been clinically proven to reduce disability in 85% of all dizzy patients. Greater than 90% of moderate to severely imbalanced patients experienced improvement by 3-5x the clinically meaningful margin.
Initial Assessment and
First Training Session
90 Minutes
Intake and consent forms
Three questionnaires to evaluate:
- The impact of dizziness on your daily life
- Your confidence in your balance
- Your concerns about falling
Two tests to measure:
- Your balance
- Your risk of falls and your center of
gravity
Your first training session
Training Sessions
40 minutes each
These sessions are typically scheduled twice a week and involve the following
- A technician will lead you through training exercises that progress in difficulty over the course of 12 sessions total.
- During training, you will use a machine with a safety harness, interactive surround display, and moveable platform. You will need to shift your weight forward, backward, right, and left in response to visual targets on the screen. The moveable platform you are standing on will respond to and track your movements.
- The exercises you do at each session will vary, and the visual targets on screen will become more challenging.
Final Assessment and Last Training Session
90 Minutes
In your final visit you will complete your last training session and complete a final consultation with our doctor that includes:
- A review of findings from your treatment
- Completion of the same tests and questionnaires from the first session
Risks and Complications with Dementia Reduction Treatment
While CVRT is generally considered safe and effective, there are some potential risks associated with this therapy.
Fatigue
Performing repetitive exercises during CVRT sessions may lead to fatigue, particularly in individuals who have limited stamina or other health conditions.
Nausea or Motion Sickness
The nature of CVRT exercises, which involve visual and/or vestibular stimulation, can trigger symptoms of nausea or motion sickness in some individuals, which are typically mild and transient.
Frequently asked questions
Dementia can be caused by various underlying conditions, the most common being Alzheimer’s disease. Other causes include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and mixed dementia (combination of multiple causes).
Early signs of dementia may include memory loss, difficulty finding words, challenges in planning or solving problems, confusion, changes in mood or behavior, and withdrawal from social activities.
Diagnosis of dementia typically involves a comprehensive medical evaluation, including a review of medical history, physical examination, cognitive assessments, and sometimes brain imaging tests. Diagnosis may be made by a primary care physician or a specialist such as a neurologist or geriatrician.Diagnosis of dementia typically involves a comprehensive medical evaluation, including a review of medical history, physical examination, cognitive assessments, and sometimes brain imaging tests. Diagnosis may be made by a primary care physician or a specialist such as a neurologist or geriatrician.
While not all cases of dementia can be prevented, there are steps individuals can take to reduce their risk. These include maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, a balanced diet, managing cardiovascular risk factors, staying mentally and socially active, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumptio
While genetics can play a role in some types of dementia, such as familial Alzheimer’s disease, most cases of dementia are not directly inherited. However, having a family history of dementia may increase an individual’s risk of developing the condition.
