Alzheimer’s/Dementia

White House Conference on Aging: New program and initiative roundup

The White House Conference on Aging was held Monday, and several new programs and initiatives were announced.  Read More »

Many experience accelerated cognitive decline following a stroke

A study published in JAMA followed stroke survivors and found that cognitive decline persists long after the first few weeks of the incident. Read More »

Word recognition tests for early-onset Alzheimer’s

What's the difference between "curtains" and "sgarnce"? Recognizing real words among nonsense words could help diagnose early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Read More »

California judge rules law that allows nursing homes to make medical decisions unconstitutional

The former law allowed nursing homes to make medical decisions on behalf of mentally incompetent residents.  Read More »

Detailed brain imaging advances Alzheimer’s treatment options

Advanced imaging technology could help treat Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Read More »

Poor sleep: An Alzheimer’s cause or effect?

For many, eight hours of uninterrupted sleep is unheard of. Tossing and turning, waking up and going back to sleep is their nightly ritual. What do sleep habits have to do with Alzheimer’s disease? Read More »

Study links environmental characteristics to apathy in dementia residents

A new Penn State study found that the more stimulating a senior living environment was, the less apathy a resident with dementia had. Read More »

Partnership creates new app for Alzheimer’s disease

An entertainment company and a software developer create a new app for monitoring Alzheimer’s disease. Read More »

Older adults with cognitive impairment may experience altered pain response

A new research review in PAIN finds those with dementia and other forms of cognitive impairment may have increased pain sensitivity. Read More »

Computer system could help predict Alzheimer’s, diabetes risks

The University of Alberta has developed a computer system that can analyze blood or spinal fluid for risk traits long before diseases develop. Read More »

Dementia screening by phone

A new study shows that most older adults support telephone screening for dementia. Read More »

Partnership aims to train CNAs in dementia care

The National Certification Board for Alzheimer Care and the National Association of Health Care Assistants have partnered in an effort to ensure that certified nursing assistants have the training necessary to care for those with dementia. Read More »

Speech therapy app among AARP tech winners

A speech therapy app that can help those with dementia or those who have suffered a stroke is an AARP technology competition winner. Read More »

Researchers use ultrasound to combat Alzheimer’s disease

A new study points to the benefits of ultrasound technology to treat Alzheimer’s disease. Read More »

Involve everyone in memory care

One company’s effort to improve its approach to memory care is involving all staff members and seeks to align with the organization’s overall culture. Read More »

Hurricane Sandy: A lesson in survival

Extraordinary events call for extraordinary measures, especially in caring for special populations. Evacuation is more than simply staying “high and dry.” Read More »

Residents with dementia can benefit from technology, family interaction

A new case study examines the impact of technology on those living with dementia, especially when family members join in. Read More »

AHCA begins next phase of quality campaign

The American Health Care Association is expanding quality improvement efforts related to its skilled nursing facility members, which it began three years ago, the organization announced May 7. Read More »

ALFA speakers: Alzheimer’s needs more attention

The effort to find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease faces challenges related to funding and clinical trial participation, among others, and yet reasons for hope exist, said members of a panel discussion at the Assisted Living Federation of America’s annual meeting. Read More »

ALFA recognizes five with Hero Awards

The Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA) recognized five assisted living community staff members who help improve the lives of residents in big and little ways. The awards were just some of the ones given during ALFA’s annual meeting. Read More »

End-of-life care and resident choice

It’s not difficult to meld resident choices into wellness initiatives. But how does our long-term care system handle resident choice when it comes to chronic-level and end-of life care? Not so well, national experts say. Read More »

NIH: Tech strategy is key for Alzheimer’s research

The National Institutes of Health looks to technology and smarter data-gathering to transform dementia research. Read More »

Online program helps dementia caregivers discuss death

A new multimedia online program teaches dementia caregivers about end-of-life decisions and how to provide comfort for those nearing death. Read More »

One-on-one with…Paul Nussbaum, PhD

Brookdale Senior Living recently named Paul Nussbaum, PhD, its national director for brain health. Long-Term Living spoke with the board-certified psychologist to find out more about what he’s doing for the company, which has nearly 1,150 senior living communities in 46 states and calls itself the country’s largest provider of Alzheimer’s and dementia care. Read More »

Cognitive health subject of new IOM report

Healthcare professionals must be prepared to provide guidance to older adults and their families as the population ages, according to a new report from the Institute of Medicine. Read More »

The role of therapy in dementia care

Hear the words “dementia care” and you’re likely to think of nurses and nurses’ aides. Physical, occupational and speech-language therapists can play a role in caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, however, Carmen Vitton says. Read More »

2015 Leaders of Tomorrow: Dayne DuVall, LMT, CAEd, CRTS

Those who meet Dayne DuVall are immediately struck by his zeal for excellence in Alzheimer’s and dementia care. If you haven’t met him yet, chances are you will. Read More »

2015 Leaders of Tomorrow: Deborah Platt, RN, BSN, DON-CLTC

Some career paths can be circuitous as this clinical manager discovered. Through leadership, compassion and continuing involvement in the long-term care industry, this honoree and her staff continue to give their residents rich and fulfilling lives. Read More »

2015 Leaders of Tomorrow: Michael C. LaFerney, RN, PMHCNS-BC

This clinical nurse specialist provides quality care to the residents he serves, helps colleagues around the country and around the world with his research and other writings, and is priming another generation for long-term care as an adjunct professor at a nearby college. Read More »

Partnership integrates wander management, security systems

Two companies will combine strengths of their wander management solutions through systems integration. Read More »