Memory care

Brookdale makes space for early Alzheimer’s residents

The nation’s largest long-term care provider is expanding the continuum of care to offer a transitional space for residents with mild dementia who need more than assisted living but aren’t ready for memory care.  Read More »

Illinois signs bill for dementia care regulations

The state is the latest to mandate certification for facilities that provide care services for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Read More »

Dementia-friendly dining

Industry innovators are pushing the meal ticket far beyond fish sticks and apple slices. Read More »

Brush Development launches first U.S. Association Montessori Internationale dementia training center

The Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) approach to dementia care focuses on individual approaches to connection, confidence, interaction and tasks. Read More »

Dementia and Down Syndrome: Time for new protocols?

People with Down Syndrome are living longer than ever, well into their senior years. The bad news is, about half of them will develop some kind of dementia. Read More »

Can personality predict dementia risk?

Scientists are taking a closer look at the relationship between certain personality traits and the risk of cognitive decline. Read More »

Quest Diagnostics launches electronic cognitive assessment tool

The tool can aid physicians in resident assessment and can be added to electronic health records. Read More »

Some Calif. ALFs swap antipsychotics for medical cannabis

Some assisted living communities in California are trying medical marijuana as a substitute for antipsychotic medications in treating extreme behaviors in those with dementia. Read More »

Are you sure it’s Alzheimer’s?

About 20 percent of Alzheimer's diagnoses could be incorrect, say two new studies. Read More »

Medical marijuana: Hashing out the legal issues

Many states have legalized medical marijuana, but when it comes to Medicare participants, it’s federal law that matters. Read More »

Brookdale pares down in $253M sale

The senior living giant is selling 44 properties across 12 states, including almost 600 memory care units. Read More »

HCR ManorCare launches lewy body dementia pilot program

 Long-term care owner and operator HCR ManorCare has partnered with the Lewy Body Dementia Association to offer support and education on Lewy body dementia.  Read More »

Hospital care transitions are key for those with Alzheimer’s or other dementias

Going to the hospital can be confusing for those with dementia, complicate their clinical symptoms and even make their dementia worse. Some hospitals may be better prepared and trained in dementia care than others, says a panel of care transition experts. Read More »

Study finds link between brain injury and Parkinson’s but not Alzheimer’s

Researchers did not see a relationship between people with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and late-onset Alzheimer's disease in one of the largest studies of TBI to date, signaling the need for more brain research. Read More »

A vaccine to prevent or reverse dementia on the horizon

Researchers are working to develop a vaccine that targets proteins in the brain that block neurons thought to cause Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases.  Read More »

Alzheimer’s genes may be present in youth

In those with a genetic predisposition, Alzheimer's disease may already be detectable by early adulthood--suggesting researchers may have decades of warning before its potential onset. Read More »

Pat Summitt gives final gift to people with Alzheimer’s

With the help of two organizations, the beautiful boquets that adorned a University of Tennessee memorial service were rewrapped and distributed to fellow Tennesseeans with dementia.  Read More »

Muses Labs, Metabolon to study early-onset cognitive decline at molecular level

Can a person’s metabolites provide clues on how dementia begins and how treatments can be personalized? Read More »

House proposes $350M increase for dementia research

The U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Committee has proposed increasing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia research funding by $350 million for the National Institutes of Health to $1.26 billion.   Read More »

High BP a vascular dementia risk factor

Researchers have found high blood pressure is positively associated with a higher risk of developing vascular dementia, separate from any previous stroke or mini stroke. Read More »

Sign language gives people with dementia a way to speak

A sign language class offers another way for residents with dementia to communicate and connect with one another at Silverado Aspen Park Memory Care Community in Salt Lake City. Read More »

Pat Summitt, lauded women’s basketball coach, dies of younger onset dementia

She led the Tennessee Lady Vols for 38 years and held the record for most wins in Division I history. Read More »

Computer engagement reduces antipsychotic usage, improves quality of life

A Chesapeake Bay nursing home's two-year pilot uses technology to improve social engagement and life quality for those with dementia. Read More »

Muses Labs, George Washington partner to offer patients MEND Protocol

The George Washington Center for Integrative Medicine will offer people with cognitive decline, mild Alzheimer’s disease and a family history of dementia the MEND Protocol, a personalized intervention to improve memory and cognitive function.  Read More »

Alzheimer’s Association uses solstice to bring light to dementias

The summer solstice is more than a change of seasons. It’s a chance to raise money and awareness for those living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias as well as honor caregivers, for whom every day can feel like the longest day.  Read More »

And the 2016 OPTIMA Award winner is…

The judges give the 2016 OPTIMA Award to the Texas State Veterans Homes for its groundbreaking program examining the relationship of military post-traumatic stress to behaviors and dementia and its training program for caregivers. The program is in place at the organization's eight sites across the state.    Read More »

Drug study: Controlling PBA in dementia

New data supports the use of the drug NUDEXTA to treat pseudobulbar affect (PBA), a condition found in those with brain injuries, neurological damage from stroke or dementia and certain neuromuscular diseases. Read More »

Medicare could cover comprehensive Alzheimer’s care plan

Congressional subcommittees have proposed changes to the Social Security Act to cover an initial care plan for Medicare beneficiaries newly diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias to help them understand the disease and treatment options. Read More »

Connecting nursing home staff with clinicians to reduce antipsychotic use

A new study found residents with Alzheimer’s disease were less likely to be restrained or medicated at nursing homes where frontline staff spoke regularly with memory care specialists, suggesting quality outcomes can improve with expert intervention.  Read More »

Senate proposes $400M increase for dementia research

The Senate announced a proposal $400 million increase in Alzheimer’s and dementia research funding at the National Institutes of Health, surpassing a record increase of $350 million in 2015. Read More »