The fiscal year 2016 federal spending bill includes $350 million more for Alzheimer's disease research funding. It's the first time in 12 years the National Institutes of Health have seen a boost in funding. Read More »
Occupational therapy can promote healing, independence and well-being for residents, but all too often treatments are misunderstood or missing. That prevents barriers to providing the best possible care for long-term care residents. Read More »
Researchers found older adults who took college courses saw an increase in their capacity to process information, make decisions, plan and retain memories. Age, gender, feelings of well-being or level of social connectedness did not affect their cognitive capacity. Read More »
Men with prostate cancer treated with androgen deprivation therapy are nearly two times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease, according to new research findings. Read More »
The holidays aren't happy for some people, but resident blogger Kathy Mears reminds us how to be in charge of our own joy--and perhaps help others to do the same. Read More »
The complexity and immersive experience of 3-D video games improved memory in non-gaming college students, researchers found. Such video games could be used to engage, stimulate and boost hippocampus functioning in seniors. Read More »
Which states have the healthiest environments for seniors? Which regions are hotbeds of unhealthy habits? New data shows how healthy environments and the graying of America are dovetailing. Read More »
The new memory-care-only community will include a gallery commemorating the Arkansas native country singer’s long and public battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Read More »
As obesity rates among older demographics continue to increase, will skilled nursing facilities have the equipment, staff and knowledge to care for them? Maybe not, according to recent findings. Read More »
The holidays are a time of togetherness and traditions. That can pose additional challenges for people with dementia. Changing how the holidays are celebrated can help everyone enjoy the season. Read More »
An assisted living/independent living chain implements a program to assess falls risk and bring the use of high-tech hip protectors into fashion on its campuses. Read More »
A California CNA who allegedly took a video of a partially clothed resident and laughed at her as she and another assistant took her to the shower has been charged and fired. Read More »
What does “person-centered care” entail? The American Geriatrics Society teamed up with The SCAN Foundation and the University of Southern California to research the definitions and quality scope of healthcare that is focused on the person and not on the condition. Read More »
Resident blogger Kathleen Mears gets a new bit of holiday cheer for her room, while spending quality time with her sister--showing that the little things mean a lot. Read More »
Updated Dec. 11: The number of cases has grown to nearly 100 but is expected to peak today, according to reports from Santa Barbara County. Clinical and facility operations teams at the Santa Barbara retirement community enact infectious disease protocols to restrict the spread of the outbreak. Read More »
Having an LTC pharmacist on the care team can provide aggressive strategies against adverse drug events and reap the benefits of a specialized skills set in the tricky business of geriatric medication management. Read More »
New research suggests BRCA1 proteins, which repair damaged cells, facilitate normal learning and memory in neurons. Lower levels of BRCA1 proteins in the brain are associated with neurological disorders. Read More »
Is your staff really up to speed on the importance of flu vaccines? Do they know how to talk with residents and families about it? The CDC offers some simple talking points to smooth the road. Read More »
Much research has been conducted on the residents of Yarumal, Colombia, which has the world’s largest population of people with Alzheimer’s disease. Now researchers have traced descendants to identify the origins of the rare gene mutation for early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Read More »
Researchers have found the accumulation of vascular amyloid plaques along blood vessels could disrupt blood flow in the brain. They could also account for some of the neural degeneration and memory loss in people with Alzheimer’s disease. Read More »
Inadequate cleaning of flexible endoscopes continues to be a chief concern for healthcare providers in the coming year, according to an independent nonprofit medical labratory testing organization. Read More »
Get your flu shot yet? This season’s flu activity has had a slow start so far, but the CDC warns that peak flu season is yet to come, and the big risks are far from over for those age 65 and older. Read More »
Brookdale Senior Living is spending $9.5 million to expand beds and common areas at two Georgia facilities. The number of people in the state with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia is expected to increase by nearly half by 2025. Read More »
The South Dakota Symphony Orchestra continues its Music as Medicine series with the first performance of “Memoirs.” The Dakota Wind Quintet will punctuate the telling of a retirement community resident’s life story. Read More »
Providers and clinicians often want to honor resident choice, but are afraid to do so. The key is finding the balance between providing quality care and keeping clients safe, and allowing choices that may involve risk but will enhance quality of life. Read More »
Nursing home residents with symptoms of pseudobulbar affect (PBA) are twice as likely to receive antipsychotic medications in off-label mode, a new study shows. Read More »
Senior Care Box is a monthly care package designed specifically to help people age 65 and older reminisce about the good ol’ days and let them know someone is thinking about them this holiday season — and throughout the year. Read More »