Alzheimer’s/Dementia

Dementia quality measures available

You can download the Dementia Work Group’s proposed quality measures for improving outcomes for people with dementia at no charge. Read More »

Findings from OSU’s Alzheimer’s self-test released

Worried about Alzheimer’s? A new self-administered test can help clinicians assess risk. Read More »

Mexican-Americans could see cognitive impairment 10 years before others: study

Mild cognitive impairment could begin up to a decade earlier in Mexican-Americans than in non-Hispanic people, according to new research. Read More »

High-dose vitamin E benefits those with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers: study

The amount of assistance needed by those with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease is reduced by about two hours per day when they take vitamin E, according to the results of a recent study, which found other advantages as well. Read More »

Federal BRAIN project seeks new tools, technologies

The National Institutes of Health offers funding opportunities for developing new tools and technologies that can help study the brain and improve the understanding of neurologic illnesses.  Read More »

2013: Year of the long-term care TV show?

A look back at 2013 reveals at least three small-screen efforts highlighting long-term care. Read More »

Memory visits

How do you categorize holiday memories? Visiting with those with dementia gives a new view. Read More »

AMDA’s program targets antipsychotic drug use for dementia

A new program developed by AMDA teaches long-term care staffers and doctors how to recognize, assess and treat symptoms of dementia while minimizing the use of antispychotic drugs. Read More »

Cognitive decline, cold sores linked

Researchers have linked the same virus that causes cold sores to cognitive decline in people of all ages. One action may help prevent ill effects on the brain, however. Read More »

Seniors with dementia benefit from exercise

Improved cognition and ability to perform activities of daily living are two benefits seniors experience when they exercise, according to a new review of 16 studies. The authors say more research is needed, however. Read More »

Dementia-related training materials available

An organization is offering PowerPoint slides, handouts, pre-tests and tests and post-tests, evaluation forms and certificates for staff, family, volunteers, students and others. Read More »

Palliative care conversations crucial to ensuring choices

Avoiding discussions about prognosis and care goals may deny patients what they need to make informed choices. But what happens when the people skirting the conversation are the clinicians? Read More »

Task force names 5 high-priority areas for senior health

Not enough evidence exists to recommend routine screening in those not showing signs or symptoms of cognitive impairment, says the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force in a draft recommendation. The group also has released a list of five areas in senior health that it believes deserve more research. Read More »

Meditation, yoga may slow dementia progression

New research may have you considering adding meditation and yoga to your activities schedule. Read More »

Songs of the soul

Personalized music therapy programs reach into the silent corridors where those with dementia dwell. Read More »

Exercise benefits seniors in many ways, new research says

Encouraging residents to exercise may help them improve their mental and physical health as well as their fitness for and recovery from surgery, according to results of two new studies. Read More »

New model indicates when memory loss is Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers may have found a way for you to let residents know whether to relax or take other action. Read More »

Eye doctor may diagnose Alzheimer’s disease in the future

The eye holds clues to Alzheimer’s disease, according to one study. Another study, however, finds no association between a common age-related eye disease and dementia. Read More »

Mining databases for Alzheimer’s disease drug treatments

German and American companies will collaborate on data mining to develop new drugs to fight Alzheimer's disease.   Read More »

Long-term care-related comedy to air on HBO

You may see some familiar faces on Nov. 24 when HBO debuts a comedy about a “ragtag crew” caring for elderly women at a hospital’s extended care unit. Read More »

One medical visit reveals much about Alzheimer’s progression: study

One medical visit is all it takes to gather enough data to predict how long it will be before someone with Alzheimer’s disease needs professional long-term care or dies, according to new research. Read More »

New alliance dedicated to person-centered dementia care

As seniors become the dominant population in the American landscape, Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are predicted to increase at an alarming rate. Read More »

Johnson & Johnson to pay $2.2 billion to resolve off-label marketing and kickback allegations

In what the federal government maintains is one of the largest healthcare fraud settlements in U.S. history, Johnson & Johnson and subsidiaries will pay more than $2.2 billion for allegedly promoting three drugs for unapproved uses in the elderly and others as well as purportedly paying kickbacks to doctors and the country’s biggest long-term care pharmacy provider. Read More »

Alzheimer’s, caregivers highlighted in November observances

November observances put Alzheimer's disease and family caregivers in the spotlight. Read More »

10 cited for innovation, excellence at annual meeting

Live from LeadingAge: 10 individuals or organizations received awards at the annual meeting. Read More »

Haunted all year

A recent experience reminded me of the haunted houses I attended in my high school days. The occasion was not as fun but was just as frightening, especially considering that 36 million people around the world have similar sensations daily. The memories will stay with me for a long time. Read More »

Alzheimer’s disease and sleep may be linked, says JAMA Neuro study

Shorter sleep duration and poor-quality sleep are associated with abnormal brain imaging findings suggesting Alzheimer's disease in older adults, a new study finds. Read More »

Display hopes to take a bite out of Alzheimer’s mystery

Alzheimer's disease is getting big-time attention this month as an exhibit in New York City seeks to enlighten residents and visitors to a top attraction. Read More »

Culture change continues to evolve

From the seeds that were planted many years ago, culture change continues to grow, spread its roots and reshape itself to the needs of the elders it serves. Read More »

Survey survival: Fall scene investigation

Plenty of attention is given to reducing the risk of falls. But after a fall happens, do your nurses know how to gather the information your surveyors will want to know? Read More »