Memory care

A short stack a day may keep the Alzheimer’s away

New studies show eating blueberries improved brain function and activity in people with mild cognitive impairment. Pure maple syrup may prevent the formation of brain plaque and fibrillation of beta amyloid proteins. All of which is to say: eat to your health.  Read More »

Autumn Leaves launches music experience program at 40 memory care sites

The senior living chain is adding music experience outings to its individualized music in memory care program. Read More »

Recovering memories ‘lost’ by Alzheimer’s disease

People with early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease can still make new memories, but a lack of sensory input connections prevent them from storing and later accessing those memories. Researchers tested a form of artificial stimulation that helped mice remember, suggesting potential new treatments.  Read More »

A lesson on Alzheimer’s disease

Children at one Denver school study the history of and write about Alzheimer’s disease. The multi-subject curriculum on memory care is designed to make children less scared and confused about what changes might be happening with an aging loved one.  Read More »

Gathering the gray cells

Editor-in-Chief Pamela Tabar jumps into the data pool to help find a cure for Alzheimer's disease and other neurological disorders. Have you checked out the Brain Health Registry yet? Read More »

Paint me a memory

For people with cognitive impairment, a picture is worth more than any words. Read about memory care programs that harness the power of art to engage residents and help them express themselves. Read More »

Reduce Alzheimer’s risk by brushing your teeth

Researchers have found periodontitis, or gum disease, is associated with an increase in cognitive decline among people with early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.  Read More »

Tony Hawk talks about Alzheimer’s disease

Skateboarder Tony Hawk shares his mother’s progression with Alzheimer's disease and encourages others to reach out and connect while there’s still time. Read More »

Amyloid distribution different in Alzheimer’s memory and language dementias

Researchers found the toxic beta-amyloid protein is distributed differently in people with primary progressive aphasia (PPA), a rare language dementia, versus the memory dementia in the early stages. That could result in more targeted treatment plans. Read More »

Harness the MDS for dementia care

The federally mandated minimum data set (MDS) is a documentation tool caregivers use every day that can help ensure quality dementia care. Read More »

F-Tag 309 and the compliance domino effect

Poor training in dementia care documentation can get a facility a pile of deficiencies in a big hurry, explains a national consultant in survey-related regulatory issues. Read More »

What’s your best practice for memory care?

Attendees at the Memory Care Forum in Austin, Texas, share their communities' most successful strategies and programs for engaging residents with dementia.  Read More »

6 ways to manage family expectations in dementia care

People aren't perfect. Neither are memory care facilities. Consultant Michael Gill advises how to keep dementia residents and their loved ones happy by helping families to set realistic facility and caregiving expectations from the start.  Read More »

Dementia bathing: How to keep a bath from becoming a battle

What makes for an enjoyable bathing experience for some may not be the best strategy for those with dementia. Read tips from a national dementia expert on how to avoid struggles and fears in residents with cognitive decline at bathing time. Read More »

7 steps to building a dementia-capable system

Our infrastructure wasn’t built to accommodate people with dementia, but we can build one. And it starts with proper diagnosis. Read More »

Canada tries again for national dementia strategy

Canadian lawmakers introduced a bill today that would form a national strategy to grapple with the social, economic and medical costs of Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementias. Last year, a similar bill was defeated by a single vote. Read More »

Possible new drug for Alzheimer’s already on the market

Researchers have found ‘neurostatin’ targets the first step of the reaction that leads to Alzheimer’s disease, suggesting a preventative treatment plan similar to how statins reduce the risk of heart disease. Read More »

Iowa won’t require nursing home employees to complete dementia care training

State legislators failed to pass a bill that would have required nursing home employees to learn how and be assessed on how they care for people with dementia.  Read More »

New housing construction cools, memory care still hot

Fewer senior housing organizations plan to pursue new construction in 2016, but plenty plan to do some renovating and repositioning for a better service mix, notes the latest survey data from Lancaster Pollard. Read More »

An Alzheimer’s-like disease that leaves people speechless

Researchers don't know much about primary progressive aphasia, a neurological syndrom that makes it difficult for people to express their thougths. It's often mistaken for dementia, though most people are able to remain independent.  Read More »

3-D ‘mini-brain’ could be future of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s research

Researchers have grown human neurons and cells that mimic the brain's structures and functions. The mini-brains could eliminate the need for animal drug testing, the results of which are often unreliable in humans.  Read More »

Say what? Hearing loss increases risk of dementia

Older adults with hearing loss are more likely to develop dementia, research suggests. Read More »

‘Cautious optimism’ over decline in dementia cases

Researchers have noticed a steady decline in dementia cases in the 40 years between the 1970s and the 2000s, but the rising numbers of older adults will keep the battle with other types of dementia top of mind for many years to come, notes longitudinal study data in the New England Journal of Medicine. Read More »

I (still) do: Memory care center hosts vow renewals

The Valentine’s Day spirit was in full force at Stoneybrook Memory Care in McKinney, Texas, as dementia care residents and their spouses renewed their marriage vows and their commitments to stay together despite the disease. Read More »

Don’t call me ‘honey’: Avoiding elderspeak

When it comes to culture change, put your awareness where your mouth is. What you say—and how you say it—affects the dynamics of staff/resident relationships, especially in dementia care. Read More »

Reducing brain inflammation could reduce Alzheimer’s risk

A new study found maintaining normal immune cell levels could protect against Alzheimer's disease. Read More »

Obesity and dementia

Scientists dig deeper into the reasons why obesity hurts the brain by altering the genes responsible for making memories. Read More »

Dementia care and marketing workers see highest salary growth in ALFs

The 2015-2016 Assisted Living Salary and Benefits Report suggests industry growth may come from memory care and spreading the word about assisted living facilities.  Read More »

Nursing home operator loses license following sexual abuse investigation

The Nursing Home Administrators board forced a nursing home operator to surrender his license following repeated unreported incidents of sexual abuse. Read More »

Crafting for a cause

A group of women meet weekly at a Maryland long-term care (LTC) facility to knit or crochet for the needy. Members of Hugs and Stitches made and donated 2,480 hats, scarves and afghans in 2015 to local Baltimore area nonprofits.   Read More »