Resident of Standish Village, a Senior Living Residences community in Dorchester, MA, celebrate St. Patrick's Day

Residents living in the Memory Support Neighborhood at Standish Village spent today celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. Standish Village, like many other assisted living communities, offered a performance from an Irish Step Dancer. Unlike other assisted living communities, residents spent the morning engaged in an innovative adult learning course, studying Ireland, its history, land and people.

Each week residents at Standish Village and other Senior Living Residences’ communities participate in the Reconnections Program. Reconnections is an experiential-based adult learning program designed specifically for individuals with memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease based on research that cognitive stimulation may slow the progression of the disease. The material-rich learning courses key in on residents’ past and present interests to elicit engaged responses.

As the residents celebrated today, they focused not only on watching a dance performance, but also learning about its origins, history, and relevance in their own lives.

www.nature.com/.../n1s/full/jcbfm2009170a.html

As with Alzheimer’s disease, there is no simple way to reach a diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Individuals who notice symptoms associated with MCI, including forgetting appointments and details of recent events or conversations as well as frequently repeating conversations and information, should speak to their physician.

During the diagnostic process, one can expect to be asked a number of questions about noted changes, history of symptoms and a family health history. In addition, the physician may ask to speak with a family member or close friend, to ask about observation of symptoms.

From there, a number of tests will be conducted to eliminate other potential causes for memory loss including: a complete physical exam, blood tests, an evaluation for depression or other mental illness, brain imaging, and a neuropsychological assessment.

The process is very involved, but once completed offers a clear picture of what is causing memory changes. It is important to note that not all memory change is caused by Alzheimer’s disease. At times, memory loss may be caused by an acute condition that can be treated. Also, as researchers learn more and more about memory loss, recognition of the earliest changes in cognition will lead to the most effective treatment.

With the unofficial start of summer, many of us begin to look at our calendars to plan vacations or time away from home. Many caregivers have concerns about vacationing and traveling with their family member with Alzheimer’s disease. Yet vacations and leisure time can be about relaxation and enjoyment, for both the caregiver and the person living with Alzheimer’s disease. Read more…

Senior Living Residences is proud to partner with HBO’s Alzheimer’s Project Coalition in an ambitious grassroots public education campaign to shine a spotlight on Alzheimer’s disease. In an effort to inform the public, spur discussion, and excite individuals to participate in a search for the cure, many of our communities will be airing HBO’s groundbreaking four-part documentary series, The Alzheimer’s Project, for local audiences. 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…