Resident Care

A vaccine for Down syndrome has promise for Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers will test the safety of a vaccine to targets Alzheimer's disease-like characteristics in adults with Down syndrome. Down syndrome is caused by a mutation of the chromosome that regulates amyloid-beta plaque, the accumulation of which is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.  Read More »

Tornado damage causes whirlwind for LTC residents

Nursing home and memory care residents were moved to another facility until repairs can be made. Both facilities are owned by the same company but operate under different state regulations. The facility accepting evacuees doesn’t accept Medicaid, causing a major snag in the disaster preparedness plan.  Read More »

A prescription for video games

Several companies, backed by major investors and big pharma, are working to develop prescription video games. They're interested in video game therapy as an extension of treatments for a variety of mental illnesses, including Alzheimer's disease.  Read More »

More departures from national Alzheimer’s Association

The central Texas chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association is separating from the national organization, citing dissatisfaction over the recent reorganization at the national level. Read More »

CCRC resident will sing for board

A college vocal performance major will spend the semester living in a retirement community as a result of a partnership between the CCRC and Drake University. Haley Jenkins will sing two concerts a month in exchange for free room, board and utilities. Read More »

Social connections and health

New research is emphasizing just how much social connectedness affects the physical side of aging, including chronic conditions like obesity and high blood pressure. Read More »

Joint Commission launches falls prevention analytics tool

The Joint Commission Center for Transforming Healthcare has a new tool that has helped many hospitals lower their falls rates by one-third. Can its methodology help your long-term care facility do the same for one of Medicare's "never events"? Read More »

Antipsychotics, behavior and dementia: A psychiatrist’s view

Treating elderly residents—especially those with dementia—with antipsychotics requires a careful balance between medication and behavioral treatments. Read More »

A diet you’ll want to follow

A new diet designed to lower the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease has far reaching benefits and has been ranked by US News & World Report as surprisingly easy to follow. Researchers reported significant benefits for those who made modest changes and, as an added bonus, the diet recommends drinking wine. Read More »

Calif group splits from Alzheimer’s Association

Following the fall 2015 restructuring of the national Alzheimer's Association, the Los Angeles chapter has decided to leave the national group and form its own association. Read More »

Activities are more than time fillers

An Activities Department does more than organize bingo games. The department helps residents maintain cognitive function and gives them a sense of independence and dignity. That deserves every department's respect. Read More »

365 days of residents and staff

A Maryland retirement community featured a photo and words to live by from a resident or staff member each day in 2015 in the vein of popular blog Humans of New York. Read More »

Lumosity to pay $2 million to settle disputes about brain training claims

Lumos Labs, the makers of the Lumosity brain training program, have reached a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission on allegations the company deceived consumers with unfounded claims about cognitive and health benefits from playing its online and mobile games. Read More »

Best perioperative practices for geriatric surgical patients released

New recommendations for the delivery of quality care for geriatric surgical patients were released today by the American College of Surgeons and American Geriatrics Society. Read More »

More therapy leads to slightly better outcomes, study finds

Researchers found an extra hour of therapy for seniors recovering from hip fractures in Skilled Nursing Facilities saw improved outcomes, though seniors with the highest levels of impairment saw no benefit. Read More »

Poor sleep could be an Alzheimer’s disease risk factor

Deep sleep means a deep cleanse of brain toxins, including those that form Alzheimer's plaques. Researchers found a lack of sleep sped the accumulation of Alzheimer's disease plaques in mice, suggesting a possible link and potential new treatments that start with catching some zzz's. Read More »

A healthy attitude toward aging might keep you healthier

Researchers have found a correlation between negative views on aging and developing Alzheimer's disease. People who held negative views of aging were found to have greatest volume loss of the hippocampus, a part of the brain central to memory. They were also found to have a significantly greater number of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles than their peers with a positive outlook on aging. Read More »

Shifting views on exercise for osteoarthritis

Most recommendations for osteoarthritis tend to favor low-impact exercise, but some research indicates that if the osteoarthritis is mild, a little bit of higher impact exercise might do a lot more good. Read More »

Finding a haven

New residents can struggle to combat their fears and find a way to feel useful, but everyone can help them adjust, says resident blogger Kathleen Mears. Read More »

Rock star goes abroad for Alzheimer’s stem cell treatment

Canadian music icon John Mann has early-onset Alzheimer's disease, and medications on the market haven't been effective. He will go to Mexico for experimental stem cell therapy. Read More »

Antidepressant restores protein levels in brain, improves memory

New research suggests accumulation of the tau protein hinders the brain's ability to clean out and replace cells. A drug already on the market was found to help flush out old cells and improve memory in mice, suggesting new therapies  for neurodegenerative disease like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Read More »

Elderly more likely to suffer severe case of norovirus

A multi-year study of norovirus outbreaks at long-term care facilities found seniors are more prone to contracting the virus, suffer severe outbreaks and shed the virus for at least three weeks. People usually get better within one to three days, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Read More »

A look back at the top 10 patient safety concerns for 2015

Patient safety events reveal healthcare organizations are concerned about alarm hazards, IV mix-ups, failure to conduct independent double checks, inadequate patient handoffs and medication errors. These are all new to the ECRI Institute’s annual list.  Read More »

Circadian rhythms and aging

Everyone has “internal timing genes” that regulate sleep and wake cycles and other body processes. New research shows older people might have an internal clock that younger people don’t. Could this provide a clue on sundowning? Read More »

Alzheimer’s research takes role in Clinton’s political platform

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton proposes massive funding for Alzheimer's research for the next 10 years. Read More »

‘Tis the (tech) season

What do seniors want for the holidays? Hint: It’s not slippers. We asked residents what types of technology they wish they had, and you may be surprised what's on their lists. Read More »

Unprecedented $350 million federal funding increase for Alzheimer’s research

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 »

New site shows Medicare drug spending trends

What was the most frequently prescribed drug for seniors? Which ones cost the most? Check out CMS’ new drug spending website. Read More »

Shingles tied to increased risk of stroke, heart attack

Seniors who contract shingles have an increased risk of stroke or heart attack during the early days of the infection, notes new research. Read More »

The role of occupational therapists

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 »