Learn More About Dementia Research



In an article from Medical News Today, experts explain the various areas dementia research is focused on including: “understanding how the condition works, why it develops, and how it might be treated. Importantly, there is also a focus on how we can improve the lives of people with dementia.”

Dr. Kellyn Lee, a chartered psychologist and research fellow in aging and dementia at the University of Southampton, in the U.K., is one researcher focused on trying to improve the lives of those suffering from dementia. Her program, called the “Material Citizenship Framework Project,” is being used to demonstrate to staff working with dementia patients just how important patients’ possessions and identities are to their wellbeing. Dr. Lee says in one case an Alzheimer’s patient was distressed at not recognizing herself. It turns out before her illness; she dyed her hair and didn’t recognize the woman in the mirror with gray hair. Personal possessions can help people to connect with and help maintain their identity. Dr. Lee explains, “Losing access to frequently used possessions can cause disempowerment and confusion. To observers, this confusion can sometimes seem like dementia progression.”

Another group of researchers are working to improve the lives of people in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s with the development of HUG comforters. These soft blankets have weighted limbs, a heartbeat and the ability to play the person’s favorite music. Studies show a HUG can help reduce anxiety and agitation, and embrace the person in a soft hug.

In the on-going race for effective treatments for Alzheimer’s, some researchers are looking at repurposing certain drugs. One example is a drug used to treat type 2 diabetes. Metformin has shown to improve symptoms in Alzheimer’s patients in a small clinical trial but more studies need to be done. Others are studying the connection between cardiac disease and Alzheimer’s and how decreased blood flow adversely impacts our brains.

Along with assisted living, Colorado Springs’ MorningStar at Mountain Shadows offers compassionate memory care for those in the early onset of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia right through to the most advanced stages. Every aspect of our Reflections Neighborhood is geared toward residents’ care from meaningful activities, trained caregivers, food service, security and more. Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents. Please call for more information about the finest memory care and assisted living in Colorado Springs, CO.

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dementia-research-whats-exciting-the-experts#2


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The MorningStar Family

Image
MorningStar Senior Living’s Founder and CEO, Ken Jaeger, first began forming the idea of starting a company from a desire to create senior living that was defined by the human touch. He says his intention was to “re-create my grandmother’s house, a place where one can go and feel a sense of family.” This simple but profound concept has driven the overwhelming success of our MorningStar brand. Now nearly seventeen years later, MorningStar continues to add communities across the Western U.S., including MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Littleton, in the Greater Denver area. At MorningStar of Littleton, our goal is to create a true home for our residents - one that feels like a family. To help us achieve this, our dedicated team strives to live up to our unique mission statement, which includes honoring God in all of our business practices and relationships and valuing all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals. The last part of our mission statement is t
Read more

The Top Reasons Family Considers Assisted Living

Image
Coming to the realization that your loved one may need support beyond what you can provide comes with difficult decisions to make regarding assisted living . Caregivers of family members and loved ones that have special needs or require extra help often experience their own hardships. Anxiety, depression, negative eating habits, financial strain and poor health are not rare when it comes to caring for an elderly parent or family member. Children of senior parents may feel shame in assessing senior living and assisted care, but these facilities can lessen that guilt and offer a peace of mind that your loved one is healthy, safe, and happy. You know your parent better than anyone and have developed a care routine that allows your parent to be close by or living in similar circumstances of their younger years. Sadly, this may not always be sustainable. Perhaps you have welcomed a new child, taken a new job where you will be around less often, or maybe have decided to move. If you are unab
Read more

Receive the Care You Need at MorningStar at Mountain Shadows

Image
Does your elderly mom or dad dismiss the idea of assisted living fearing it would end their independence and life as they know it? Do they think assisted living homes are more like nursing homes of the past? We want to reassure you and your senior loved one that assisted living communities such as MorningStar at Mountain Shadows are not nursing homes. In fact, we do not offer skilled nursing services but rather provide assistance with the ADLs (activities of daily living), along with engaging activities and other services intended to improve and enhance quality of life. It is important to a senior’s overall health that they receive proper care as the website Aging.com reports, “Functional status and the ability to care for oneself have a significant impact on a senior's quality of life. Unmet needs for help with activities of daily living can lead to malnutrition, poor personal hygiene, isolation, illnesses like urinary tract infections (UTIs), and falls.” In fact, studies show se
Read more