Alzheimer’s/Dementia

Women with Alzheimer’s disease saw no cognitive benefit taking raloxifene

Researchers found raloxifene did not improve cognition for women with late-onset mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. The selective estrogen receptor modulator has been reported to improve verbal memory in older women without dementia. Read More »

Tracking Alzheimer’s-associated protein tangles spread through the brain

New research tracks how a rare version of the tau protein moves from neuron to neuron as the disease progresses through the brain. Read More »

Unidine gives memory care patients nutritious, delicious and bite-sized food to chew on

The company announces a 2016 launch for new line of cuisine prepared specifically for memory care residents. Read More »

Study: Extended use of Alzheimer’s drug could delay move to nursing home

Extending the use of Alzheimer's drug donepezil has been found to reduce a person's likelihood of moving into a nursing home. Read More »

Widow says Robin Williams lived with Lewy Body Dementia

More than a year after his suicide, Robin Williams' widow opens up about the actor's struggle with Lewy Body Dementia. Read More »

Lower cholesterol levels, lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease

Study finds relationship between gene variation and increased risk factor for cognitive decline, particularly among people with high cholesterol and heart disease. Read More »

Dementia healthcare costs greater than any other disease

Healthcare costs associated with dementia are 57 percent greater than costs associated with any other disease, including cancer. Read More »

Low vitamin D levels a dementia risk factor for darker-skinned individuals

Researchers found participants with low vitamin D levels experienced cognitive decline at a rate three times faster than those with adequate vitamin D levels, a concern because darker-skinned people have more difficulty absorbing the vitamin naturally from the sun and were found to have lower dietary intake.  Read More »

Robotic pets are beneficial to people with dementia

They don’t shed. make you sneeze or scratch, but robotic pets provide ongoing benefits to individuals with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Read More »

HHS Alzheimer’s Advisory Council welcomes six new members

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Advisory Council on Alzheimer’s Research, Care and Services announced its new members this week. The council advises the HHS secretary on federal programs for people who have Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Read More »

Pain management and dementia

Delivering person-centered dementia care includes thinking outside the (pill) box and finding new ways to assess and address pain. Read More »

UPMC honors leader in senior mental health

One of the nation’s most respected universities for geriatric medicine honors a champion of senior mental health and brain wellness. Read More »

Cancer drug could reverse Parkinson’s and dementia

A drug that has already been approved to treat leukemia has been found to dramatically reduce symptoms of Parkinson's and dementia. Read More »

Reexamine elopement risk assessments

Your answers to five questions may reveal that your program is missing key risk factors in keeping your residents safe from wandering. Read More »

Quality memory care visits

Visiting relatives with dementia can be especially difficult for families, but caregivers can guide families toward more productive ways to interact with their loved ones. Read More »

Resident engagement across the globe

An activity professional in the United Kingdom travels to the United States and Australia to share ideas on resident engagement. Read More »

Blue light benefits people with Alzheimer’s disease

Low flat lighting in nursing homes and assisted living communities reduces the brain’s ability to process light in people suffering with Alzheimer’s disease. Read More »

What is the most common misconception about dementia?

After reviewing 40 research articles from 15 different countries, researchers found that the general public has a limited understanding of dementia.  Read More »

Underweight people face higher dementia risk

Researchers have found that people who are underweight or even on the low side of normal weight in their middle ages run a higher risk of dementia as they age. Read More »

Researchers find gene that may prevent Parkinson’s, dementia

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark, have discovered that non-inheritable Parkinson's disease may be caused by changes in the immune regulating gene Interferon-beta. Read More »

Research identifies three distinct subtypes of Alzheimer’s disease

New findings could lead to more highly targeted research and potential new treatments for people with Alzheimer's disease. Read More »

Chocolate may be good for brain health

Research suggests the sweet treat helps prevent against accumulation of toxic protein in the brain that can impair cognition. Read More »

New online Alzheimer’s course for direct care staff

The National Certification Board for Alzheimer Care (NCBAC) is an allied healthcare board certification organization for professional caregivers who care for those with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders. Read More »

Not all brain functions wane with age, researchers discover

Cognitive decline has long been associated with brain plaque and lessened neurological activity, but some parts of the brain actually increase activity as they age. Can scientists harness this for future Alzheimer's therapies? Read More »

Celebrate National Gerontological Nursing Week

Hats off to these compassionate nursing professionals who care for our nation’s elders.  It’s time to recognize and appreciate the selfless work they do. Read More »

Former nursing assistant pleads guilty to resident rape

A male former nursing assistant has pleaded guilty to raping a female resident with severe dementia in 2014. Read More »

Researchers find link between stress and Alzheimer’s development

While stress is usually associated with the development of depression, anxiety and more, researchers have also found a connection between stress and the development of Alzheimer's disease. Read More »

Reducing falls by tackling incontinence

Many falls occur when high-risk residents attempts to toilet themselves, especially in the middle of the night.  A Baltimore SNF has become the first in the United States to test a new technology from Australia designed to predict incontinence and solve the toileting before a fall can occur. Read More »

Study: Women bear the brunt of Alzheimer’s care costs

A new study finds women bear six times the burden of cost for Alzheimer's disease care, per capita, than men do. Read More »

Aide training days

Nothing beats on-the-job experience. A resident, especially one with physical challenges, can teach a new CNA valuable lessons in providing care. Read More »