Memory care

Making friends is child’s play

An Australian kindergarten has arranged play dates for children and residents at a nearby nursing home, many of whom have dementia. Read More »

Detecting dementia in the blink of an eye

Is there a way to detect oncoming dementia at an earlier stage? Researchers at the University of Texas think the eyes have it. Read More »

Dementia leading cause of death in United Kingdom

Deaths attributed to memory loss continue to increase, representing 11.6 percent of all recorded deaths in 2015 in the United Kingdom, surpassing heart disease.  Read More »

Dementia and kittens

An Arizona memory care facility and animal shelter have partnered to care for orphaned kittens. And yes, there are photos.  Read More »

A Place For Mom joins effort to promote veterans’ LTC resources

A Place For Mom is partnering with a veterans resource organization to spread the word about the Veterans Aid and Attendance Pension, which can help pay the costs for assistance for those who qualify. Read More »

25% of seniors don’t talk about end-of-life care, says UC study

Nobody like to talk about death. But not talking about it now could diminish your chances of having your end-of-life wishes known later, notes a study in JAMA. Read More »

Atria Senior Living inspires curiosity through journaling

Need a good read? This senior living chain thinks the most interesting story this year just might be your own. Read More »

Voting with dementia

Having dementia doesn’t legally bar people from voting, and there’s no voting assessment to determine mental capacity. The decision of whether to cast a ballot is based on their ability to choose—and shouldn’t be made for them. Read More »

Memory care facility for people with Down syndrome opening in 2017

A first-of-its-kind memory care facility is designed specifically for people with developmental disabilities. At least one of every two people with Down syndrome will develop some type of dementia as they age.  Read More »

Reconnecting families through Sweet Melodies

Can music connect an old memory to a new one? Virginia's Commonwealth Senior Living created a music program to bring families together with residents with dementia. Read More »

‘Brain pacemaker’ stimulates memory

Researchers from Canada and the United States have teamed up on phase II clinical trials for an implantable electrode designed to energize the brain’s memory circuit and perhaps slow cognitive decline. Read More »

Sanjay Gupta on longevity

What's the secret to a long and healthy life? CNN's Chief Medical Officer Sanjay Gupta speaks on health, wellness and longevity at this week's LeadingAge Annual Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana. Read More »

Training for dementia-friendly communication

The didactic approach to training doesn’t work for everyone, and those who serve residents with dementia say staff training is a lot more than words. Read More »

The psychology of rehab

Fretting about CJR and rehab outcomes? Here’s why one of the best additions to your rehabilitation service line might be a psychologist. Read More »

Call for papers: Memory care innovation

The Institute for the Advancement of Senior Care (IASC) is looking for the brightest and best ideas for delivering quality memory care across all types of dementia. Read More »

Gamification of dementia research

Scientists at Cornell University have created a game for nonscientists to play that will help researchers understand blood stalls and further understanding of memory loss. Read More »

Antipsychotics raise risk of pneumonia in residents with Alzheimer’s

Residents with Alzheimer's disease who are taking antipsychotic medications should be watched closely for pneumonia, especially during flu season. Read More »

Pat Summitt clinic designed for dementia

The new Alzheimer’s clinic, named for the Lady Vols Head Coach, sports dementia-friendly design. Read More »

Celebrity headshots jog memories in people with dementia

A collection of 1940s film stars on exhibit at a Colorado memory care facility are helping draw out residents and their memories. Read More »

2016 OPTIMA Award: The complete coverage

What happens when dementia and post-traumatic stress intersect in the nursing home environment? The winner of the 2016 Long-Term Living OPTIMA Award has spent three years developing a program to train caregivers how to interact with veterans—and how to document their positive and negative behavioral interventions to increase everyone’s ability to provide better person-centered care. Read More »

Saluting service

Special activities for veteran residents can help them combat isolation and cope with memories of the war experience, especially those with post-traumatic stress.  Read More »

2016 OPTIMA Award: An honored memory

What happens when dementia and post-traumatic stress intersect in the nursing home environment? The winner of the 2016 Long-Term Living OPTIMA Award has spent three years developing a program to train caregivers how to interact with veterans—and how to document their positive and negative behavioral interventions to increase everyone’s ability to provide better person-centered care.   Read More »

Behavioral intervention for veterans: Words that work

Managing behaviors in residents with dementia can be a challenge for caregivers. Veteran residents have special needs and behaviors that can stem from wartime flashbacks, post-traumatic stress and other circumstances. The 2016 OPTIMA Award winner, the Texas Land Board State Veterans Homes, offers suggestions on successful verbal interventions for veteran residents.  Read More »

Augmented reality offers new view of neurodegenerative diseases

Researchers are using on-the-market augmented reality (AR) technology to study how people with and without multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases respond to changes in movement in an effort to help diagnose and rehabilitate people. Read More »

Gut bacteria could be linked to Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s diseases

The potential role of microbiota in neurodegenerative diseases could help scientists with new research and treatment plans.  Read More »

Women perform differently than men on verbal memory tests

With assessment tests that check for early signs Alzheimer’s, gender may influence the score more than previously thought—and physicians may be missing early symptoms because of it. Read More »

The lost generations

Honoring those who have served soon will take on a new meaning as a new generation of veterans enters the long-term care system and nursing homes become a battleground for post-traumatic stress and dementia. Read More »

How does your memory care facility rank?

Memory care thought leaders gathered in at the Memory Care Forum to discuss the state of the industry and look ahead at what’s to come.  Read More »

The nurse practitioner’s role in SNF dementia care

Primary care clinicians are the top care providers overall for those with dementia, but nurse practitioners are providing increasing amounts of predominant care for those living in a long-term care facility. Read More »

Deciphering SNAP: The other kind of dementia

Two independent studies say SNAP doesn’t lead to Alzheimer’s disease, but scientists still aren’t sure how it develops. Read More »