Senior Living Residences and our Compass Memory Support Communities stay up-to-date with the latest news and scientific discoveries in Alzheimer’s disease. By understanding the causes and effects of this disease, we can better understand how to help our residents and their families in coping with this disease.

According to a recent article in ScienceDaily (June 16, 2010), researchers may have uncovered additional evidence that several previously studied genetic variants are associated with the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease and also may have identified new genetic risk factors for further study. These findings are reported in the June issue of Archives of Neurology. Researchers were able to draw these conclusions by investigating the association between genetic loci related to Alzheimer’s disease and neuroimaging measures related to disease risk.

For the full article, visit ScienceDaily.com.

A recent study at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago has shown that intake of certain foods like vegetables, fruits, legumes, fish, nuts, seeds, olive oil, lower intake of meat, moderate wine consumption and non-refined grains (found in the Mediterranean diet) is associated with less mental decline with age.

http://www.alzheimersbeacon.com/2010/06/09/mediterranean-diet-associated-with-reduced-cognitive-decline/

A recent study by Dr. Sudha Seshadri, a faculty member of the Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Senior Living Residences academic affiliate, finds that carrying excess belly fat my increase your risk of developing a dementing illness.

The study found that the larger the amount of deep belly fat, visceral fat, the smaller the brain. Smaller brain size is associated with a lower level of cognitive function on testing and an increased risk for dementia, said the study published in the Annals of Neurology.

Midlife obesity was previously linked as a risk factor of dementia, but central obesity increases that risk. In this current study, individuals with the largest centrally located obesity had a three times higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder, as compared to smaller-sized study participants.

This study again points to diet and exercise as potentially protective factors against developing Alzheimer’s disease

A recent article in Science Daily reports a new study conducted at Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) which indicates that people with Alzheimer’s disease can better recall information when it is conveyed by music. This new research may be helpful in leading to new ways of treating people with Alzheimer’s disease.

Diabetes is a known risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s disease. Scientists believe this risk is due to blood vessel problems as well as tissue damage from fluctuating blood sugar levels and insulin resistance. Major depression has also been noted as a risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders.

A recent study has found that major depression more than doubles the risk factor for dementia in adults living with diabetes. The study article in the Journal of General Internal Medicine noted that depression is common among people with diabetes and advised clinicians to add appropriate screening and treatment measures. Additionally, the study noted the need for exercise as well as weight and blood sugar control to protect people with diabetes from developing cognitive deficits.

It is not known how diabetes and depression interact to result in the increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders.

Noting, the link between exercise, diet, and brain health, Senior Living Residences offers an exercise program in all of its communities as well as an innovative nutrition program.

As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, people often repeat the same question over and over – as if their mind is caught in an endless loop. This behavior can be tiresome for caregivers. But it is important to know that your loved one is not trying to annoy you. Instead, your Mom or Dad may be feeling insecure or fearful. They repeat questions to feel in control – a feeling that is being lost slightly more and more each day. Repeating questions can drive you crazy but it provides comfort to your loved one! Read more…

All too often, I hear the words, “I’d rather die!” from a patient with dementia after being told that they are no longer safe to drive and must stop driving. And, all too often I am told by the loved one of a patient with dementia that they are scared of bringing up the topic of driving cessation for fear of the patient’s anger or sadness. Read more…