Alzheimer’s/Dementia

Dementia focus of WHO conference

Government officials and others from around the world have gathered in Switzerland to discuss the global problems posed by dementia at a World Health Organization meeting. Read More »

Skin test could help detect Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s

A skin test that detects abnormal proteins could be used to detect Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.  Read More »

DICE model provides alternative to drugs for dementia

Researchers from the University of Michigan Medical School and Johns Hopkins University share a strategy designed to calm the behavior of those with dementia in the British Medical Journal. Read More »

Trading spaces

How one continuing care retirement community tackled campus-wide changes to embrace memory care services and to integrate quality care with dementia-friendly settings. Read More »

GAO: Expand cuts in antipsychotic drug use

Assisted living communities and home health agencies will be some of the next frontiers for the federal government’s efforts to reduce the use of antipsychotic medications in those with dementia, following a recommendation from the Government Accountability Office. Read More »

IOM looks deep into end-of-life care

The Institute of Medicine's recent report, "Dying in America," is the jump-point for new national discussions on how to improve care delivery near the end of life. Read More »

Software reduces psychotropic drug use in seniors with dementia

A computer program for long-term care residents with dementia can lower the use of psychotropic drugs. Read More »

Why ‘Still Alice’ is a valentine to caregivers

You’ll nod in recognition during many scenes in “Still Alice.” The film helps elucidate Alzheimer’s disease for those unfamiliar with it, and it has the potential for longer-term benefits, too. Read More »

Partnership offers new tracking systems for dementia wandering

Partnering companies are developing a smart solution to track those with cognitive disorders.  Read More »

More than $220 billion in savings predicted with Alzheimer’s advances

The United States could save $220 billion within the first five years of a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease being introduced, as well as reduce the number of people affected by the disease by 2.5 million, according to a new report. Read More »

Quality in advanced dementia care: 3 challenges, 5 solutions

Quality-of-care issues exist in all long-term care settings, but they are especially pronounced for those with advanced dementia, according to health economist David Grabowski, PhD, of Harvard. He details several potential opportunities to address the issues. Read More »

Report suggests ways to increase cognitive assessments during Medicare annual wellness visits

The odds of your residents undergoing a cognitive assessment as part of a Medicare annual wellness visit may increase given a new report from a Gerontological Society of America workgroup. Read More »

Habilitation approach to dementia care focuses on remaining abilities

Focusing on helping those with advanced dementia use the skills and abilities they still possess is the primary goal of habilitation therapy. The approach, how it differs from rehabilitation, and training for it were detailed in a recent meeting convened by CMS. Read More »

Making a connection in dementia care

A person with Alzheimer’s or other dementias lives in the moment. Sharing that moment with him or her creates a bond that can bring moments of joy. Read More »

MRI detects Alzheimer’s disease early

New useas of MRI technology can detect Alzheimer's disease before symptoms occur.  Read More »

One-on-one with…Gary Glazner

People with Alzheimer's or other dementias have found a champion in Gary Glazner, founder and executive director of the Alzheimer's Poetry Project. Blending poetry with the arts in an innovative program provides a pathway to the hearts and souls of people with memory loss. Read More »

Hypothermia claims life of elderly Ohio woman

On Monday morning, a snow plow driver spotted the body of an elderly woman in the driveway of a Sagamore Hills, Ohio, assisted living facility. Read More »

Brain training game can detect mild cognitive impairment

A virtual reality training game may help detect mild impairment in cognitive skills. Read More »

Jewish Home Lifecare gets $500K for dementia respite pilot, outpatient rehab programs

Jewish Home Lifecare has received $500,000 in grants to fund programs for outpatient rehab services and overnight stays for those with dementia. Read More »

Self-reporting dementia symptoms helps clinicians measure progression

A self-reported version of a well known dementia assessment tool is effective in helping clinicians measure the progression of the disease.  Read More »

Mourning the passing of the New Old Age blog

It’s said that “all good things must come to an end,” as Long-Term Living’s resident blogger says goodbye to a trusted friend and a reliable source of information and experience. Read More »

Balance may indicate stroke, dementia risk in elderly

Over 65? How well you can balance on one leg may be an indicator of brain health and the risk of deep brain stroke or dementia, according to a study. Read More »

2015 Business Outlook: Quality

The third installment of our multi-part series on challenges facing those serving older adults looks at governmental and other efforts to improve quality. Read More »

5 tips for happy holiday visits

Caregivers and nursing homes can help families have happier holiday visits by doing a few things in advance. Here are five tips to avoid “visit crises” and make everything easier for residents and their visiting families during the holidays. Read More »

Camera catches nurse slapping resident

Elderly Americans have a new ally in preventing abuse by family, staff, home caregivers or other residents--the surveillance camera. A recent alleged case of abuse in New York was captured on camera. Read More »

Antipsychotic drug reduction efforts need more consumer involvement, coalition says

The Long Term Care Community Coalition encourages CMS to include more consumers in its “provider calls” related to dementia care in nursing homes, citing a recent survey that supports this recommendation. Read More »

New imaging technology sheds light on Alzheimer’s

Brain connection changes in those with Alzheimer's disease are visible using a new imaging technology.  Read More »

Early-onset Alzheimer’s target of drug being tested

A trial of a drug to fight early-onset Alzheimer's disease, expected to include 1,500 participants in 15 countries, has enrolled its first participant. Read More »

Winter depression in the elderly can be SAD

In long-term care, residents can experience symptoms of seasonal depression, which might go unrecognized unless caregivers and families keep a watchful eye. Read More »

Memory care, mental health programs receive grants

Four programs addressing dementia care or mental health needs in affordable housing have received grants from LeadingAge and the NewCourtland Foundation. Read More »