Alzheimer’s/Dementia

Look good, feel good

No matter what level of care a woman is receiving in a senior setting, there’s nothing that makes her day more pleasurable than a trip to the beauty salon. Read More »

Obesity can contribute to cognitive decline, study says

One more reason to consider shedding those extra pounds: A neurology study suggests that obesity can contribute to reduced cognition in later life. Read More »

AHCA/NCAL announces the 2012 award winners

The American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL)awards are here: This year 458 skilled nursing and assisted living facilities were recognized, but only two took home the gold. Read More »

Boomers with mental, substance abuse problems will challenge healthcare systems

Healthcare systems will be taxed to deal with the substance abuse problems that many members of the Baby Boomer generation will be carrying with them into their senior years. Read More »

The Olympic feats of caregivers

No one ever said being a long-term caregiver is easy. At times, it’s downright olympic. Going for the gold takes teamwork, dedication and … well, a sense of humor. Read More »

Pentecostal moments in long-term care: Part 2

What promotes brain health? Religion surely does, in ways direct and indirect, subtle and mysterious; religion alters brain activity among the elderly, it affects emotions and changes behavior. Early scientific research findings inspire awe, raise spiritual questions and offer practical advice. Read More »

AHRQ releases patient safety training program for LTC

A new training course from AHRQ can give caregivers fresh insights into the signs that a resident's condition is changing, alerting staff to monitor the resident more closely. Read More »

Moving forward on the National Alzheimer’s Plan

Advisory Council met on Monday to continue discussion on how to implement the National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s. Read More »

Trouble at two Kansas City senior living facilities

A somber day in Kansas City, Mo.: A wandering senior is found dead and an entire nursing home is evacuated at two senior living facilities. Read More »

Connecticut nursing home strike gets ugly

Three-week-old strike by unionized Connecticut nursing home workers continues. SNF operator alleges sabotage and vandalism by strikers. Company attorneys' seek criminal investigation by state authorities. Read More »

Do bees know how to reverse aging?

A key clue to the importance of senior socialization and memory maintenance may come from an unlikely community: the local beehive. Read More »

Immunotherapy retains cognitive function, ADLs, Alzheimer’s study shows

Infusions of antibodies seem to help those with mild to moderate Alzheimer's to retain cognition and daily functions, according to a study presented at the 2012 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference. Read More »

Sleep as a cognitive indicator and other studies presented at AAIC

Studies showing how sleep patterns can be a risk factor and indicator of cognitive decline and how mild cognitive impairment is linked to social isolation and a risk of death are presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC). Read More »

Gait changes may indicate a decline in cognitive function

New research presented at the Alzheimer’s Association’s International Conference in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, looks at the correlation of gait speed and stride to varying degrees of cognitive decline. Read More »

Alzheimer’s: New collaboration on one of the disease’s top risk factors

Four academic research teams and a pharmaceutical company are joining forces to study the gene that includes the biggest risk factor for Alzheimer’s other than old age. Read More »

Mutated gene may protect brain from Alzheimer’s

New progress on the mysteries of Alzheimer’s may be within the DNA of Iceland. Many Icelanders have a gene mutation, rare in other countries, that seems to protect the brain from the onset of Alzheimer’s, a new study reveals. Read More »

Healthcare reform benefits Alzheimer’s advocacy

One group cheering the court’s decision is the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA), which maintains that upholding of the healthcare act will result in earlier detection of Alzheimer’s disease—with care thereby starting sooner—while helping millions with more effective and efficient treatment. Read More »

IOM: ‘Serious shortages’ in mental health resources loom for baby boomers

Major efforts are needed to increase the mental health workforce and train them in the mental health and substance abuse issues that relate to seniors, a new Institutes of Medicine report warns. Read More »

Ask the Medical Director: The appropriate use of antipsychotic medications in LTC

Last spring (May 2011), the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) published a report titled, "Medicare Atypical Antipsychotic Drug Claims for Elderly Nursing Home Residents." Here is what medical directors practicing in long-term care had to say about the appropriate prescribing of antipsychotic medications. Read More »

Study indicates a vascular link to Alzheimer’s

A study shows how ApoE4 can unleash an excess of the protein cyclophilin A into the cardiovascular system, causing inflammation in atherosclerosis and other conditions. The study also found that ApoE4 makes it more likely for cyclophilin A to accumulate in cells that help maintain the blood-brain barrier, reducing blood to the brain and allowing toxic substances to infiltrate. Read More »

Hospitalization can lead to adverse events for people with Alzheimer’s

While hospitalization affects any patient with Alzheimer’s disease, those who suffer delirium are at a greater risk for adverse events, which may lead to nursing home admission, cognitive decline or death. Read More »

Overcoming unhappiness

A resident’s withdrawal from life’s opportunities does not have to be a permanent condition. How can you help a resident who is unhappy, has lost interest in life, or has become testy and difficult? Read More »

Program reduces use of physical restraints in nursing homes, study shows

Study shows that a multifaceted intervention, including continuing education can help reduce fall risks. Read More »

Alzheimer’s drug trial seeks answers among genetically predisposed population

Clinical trial set to begin among a population guaranteed to get Alzheimer's. Read More »

New national plan focuses on Alzheimer’s prevention and treatment

HHS introduces ambitious national plan focused on prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's Read More »

Study: People with dementia more likely to die at home than in nursing home

Many older adults with dementia live and die in community settings rather than nursing homes, contradicting the commonly held view that most people with dementia eventually move to nursing homes and die there. Read More »

Study: Lifelong depression may increase risk of vascular dementia; late-life depression may signal Alzheimer’s

The findings suggest that depression that begins in late-life may be an early symptom of Alzheimer's disease, while chronic depression over the life course may reflect a long-term process of changes to blood flow in the brain associated with increased risk of vascular dementia. Read More »

Alzheimer’s risk may be reduced with more exercise, study finds

A recent study shows the impact of daily physical activity on reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Read More »

Serenades models advances in memory care design

Serenades of Sonata was recently recognized by ALFA (Assisted Living Federation of America) as a 2012 "Best of the Best" recipient given exclusively to providers with services and programs that are making significant contributions to advancing operational excellence in senior living. Read More »

Calling full-court press on Alzheimer’s disease

Sargent and Eunice Shriver Profiles in Dignity award presented at National Alzheimer's Dinner in Washington, D.C. Read More »