Alzheimer’s/Dementia

Virtual Reality and Reminiscence Therapy

New technology can make remembering a more enjoyable experience for people with dementia. Read More »

Pet Therapy and Elder Care: A Winning Combination

Frequent contact with pets has been shown to improve cognitive abilities, enhance mood, and boost feelings of interest and enthusiasm. Read More »

Involving the Wider Community

It’s not always easy, but bringing the outside world to your residents can benefit everyone involved. Read More »

Something to Sleep On— How to Improve Sleep for Residents with Dementia

When caring for residents with dementia, one quickly realizes that a common problem is sleep—too much or too little. If too little, not only is the resident not getting needed sleep, but the sleepless resident’s behaviors can disturb other residents. Read More »

New predictive tool may identify the risk of dementia within Parkinson’s

The Montreal Parkinson Risk of Dementia Scale (MoPaRDS), which comprises 8 simple clinical variables, is effective for predicting the risk for dementia in patients with Parkinson disease(PD), according to findings from a multicenter study published in JAMA Neurology. Read More »

Brown University receives $100M donation for brain disease research

One of the largest gifts in Brown University history, from Brown graduate Robert J. Carney and his wife, Nancy D. Carney, is intended to quicken the pace of neuroscience research in R.I., with the potential to develop new treatments and cures for such devastating conditions as Alzheimer’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. Read More »

Mourning before death

Families may be grieving how cognition or illness have diminished the capacity of a loved one, stirring up emotions that aren’t usually acknowledged until after death. Caregivers have an opportunity to ease the anticipatory loss or long goodbye to help families acknowledge their feelings, seek support and connect with one another before it’s too late. Read More »

The benefits of cognitive therapy

Cognitive therapy offers caregivers a tool to determine an individual’s cognitive and functional level, which can offer specific therapy recommendations that can keep the person active, social and involved. Read More »

Synching memories through sleep

New research has found making memories may be tied to the synchronization of brain waves and that age and dementia can slow those rhythms down. Read More »

The geography of dementia rates

The dementia rates in rural areas have dropped faster than rates in urban areas, but the reason might be surprising, notes a study from the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Read More »

Editors’ pick: Top 10 memory care stories for 2017

Memory care was top of mind for all provider sectors this year. The introduction of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ dementia-focused surveys, updates to the RAI Manual and definition changes in the state SOMs gave providers many reasons to improve their quality of care for residents with cognitive decline. Read More »

Dementia rates: rural vs urban areas

The dementia rates in rural areas have dropped faster than rates in urban areas, but the reason might be surprising, notes a study from the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Read More »

The sound of participation

A Boston startup is helping residents stay involved by bringing conversations up close and personal to combat hearing loss. Read More »

Huntington’s disease dementia may hold clues for Alzheimer’s

The buildup of a specific chemical in the brain is an early sign of Huntington's dementia, and it could help with early detection of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, says a new study. Read More »

Holiday traditions: One-on-one with…Denise Scruggs

Make the holidays the most wonderful time of the year by using time-honored traditions and faith-based celebrations to engage residents with dementia. Read More »

Alzheimer’s diagnosis: Would you want to know?

A British survey shows that most people feel the knowledge of the diagnosis would be valuable even if the disease has no cure. Read More »

U of MN develops retinal camera to detect Alzheimer’s earlier

The high-tech retinal imaging captures clues to early stages of Alzheimer’s disease and could speed medication development. Read More »

Remember or forget? The complex role of scent in memory

Scent-associated memories are among the strongest and most lasting, but how does the brain decide which memories to keep and which to discard over time? Read More »

Simulating the sounds of dementia

An Australian team has created a simulation to mimic how people with dementia hear, and it could affect the way memory care centers are designed. Read More »

Benzos may impact Alzheimer’s lifespan

Benzodiazepines, prescribed to lessen insomnia and anxiety, may be associated with an earlier death in those with Alzheimer’s disease. Read More »

2017 OPTIMA Award: The power of No

The winner of the 2017 OPTIMA Award for Excellence in Memory Care has slashed its use of antipsychotics to just 3 percent by retraining its staff and implementing a strict “just say no” policy. Read More »

Refusing to be spoon-fed

A Washington state agency has drafted guidelines for people with dementia who don’t want to receive oral foods or fluids.  Read More »

Bill Gates invests $100M toward Alzheimer’s treatments

Gates is investing his own fortune toward dementia research and startups exploring new treatments. Read More »

Healthcare isn’t ready for Alzheimer’s treatments, study finds

Administering dementia treatments may be more difficult than developing them, according to a RAND report on healthcare infrastructure.  Read More »

Personalized doors help residents with dementia to find their way

Door decals are giving a Canadian memory care facility a new look and helping residents with wayfinding and navigation. Read More »

AARP Foundation sues to stop nursing home evictions

The organization is taking up its first court case on behalf of a woman with Alzheimer’s who was discharged from her nursing home without warning. Read More »

Shopping for good

 A Virginia resale boutique pledged $125k toward a memory care retrofit at an area senior living facility. Read More »

Senate passes bill to help locate people with Alzheimer’s

Kevin and Avonte’s Law would renew and expand resources for family members, first responders to find missing loved ones who wander, including those with dementia.  Read More »

LTC associations urge Congress to keep the medical expenses tax deduction

The tax deduction for medical expenses is on the chopping block in the Trump Administration’s new tax reform bill, an elimination that could seriously hurt all seniors, especially those with dementia. Read More »

Dementia rises to No. 1 killer in Britain

Advocacy groups say the government’s £132 million funding for Alzheimer’s research needs to be doubled for at least the next five years. Read More »