A weekly recap of the latest news about Alzheimer’s and dementia
Alzheimer’s Orange County compiles a weekly roundup of the latest news stories and developments about Alzheimer’s and dementia to keep you updated on what’s happening locally and all around the world. Check out this week’s headlines below:
How Community Environments Offer Better Quality of Life for Aging Adults
Many people do not realize the physical and emotional risks that seniors face, depending on their home environment. Not only can the structure of a home pose higher chances of a senior injuring themselves, but isolation can also take an emotional toll. A lonely lifestyle can lead to cognitive decline, rather than the other way around; this is why solutions such as community housing are key in improving the lives of the aging population. Read more here.
Dr. Potter: Progress Toward New Alzheimer’s Treatments
Dr. Huntington Potter, PhD, is a professor of neurology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. He has dedicated his life to researching the mystery behind Alzheimer’s disease and its treatment. The University of Colorado has released a podcast, in which Dr. Potter shares his fascinating outlook on the state of Alzheimer’s disease and its connections to other aspects of life. Listen here.
Alzheimer’s Patients Often Feel Lonely. Here Are Ways to Help Them.
Michael Verde, founder of Memory Bridge – an organization that aims to address the emotional isolation of those with dementia – takes a more philosophical approach in addressing Alzheimer’s disease. He argues that, rather than physical deterioration of brain cells, the true pain of dementia lies in the loss of societal purpose and meaningful relationships. Verde’s words remind us of how important it is to end the dementia stigma, and to respond to affected individuals with kindness rather than apprehension. Read more here.
Truly Smart Homes Could Help Dementia Patients Live Independently
As we steadily move into an era where we can use technology and artificial intelligence to adjust our homes according to our daily habits and preferences, the question then arises on how we can use these innovations to help those experiencing cognitive decline. Researchers are speculating whether smart home technology can learn to recognize the everyday domestic habits and challenges of dementia patients, and thus learn to help them. Read more here.
Testing Effectiveness of a Mobile App for Assessment of Dementia Symptoms
Daniel Bateman, M.D., is a geriatric psychiatrist hoping to use an app called Brain CareNotes to help ease some of the more common dementia symptoms such as depression, anxiety, hallucinations, and more. The Brain CareNotes app is designed to gauge a patient’s condition through a questionnaire; if a user’s results reaches a threshold of concern, the patient’s care providers will be notified and reach out to them through phone or messaging. Read more here.
