Cognitive impairment can result when older adults are taking or given medications with strong anticholinergic effects, a new study has found.
May 31, 2013
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has updated survey guidelines regarding nursing homes' use of antipsychotic medications for dementia care. The 59-page interim guidance revises Appendix P and Appendix PP of the State Operations Manual.
Skilled nursing providers fell well short of reaching a 15% reduction in off-label antipsychotic use by the end of 2012, the American Health Care Association announced Monday.
Providers should be taking most of their dementia residents off antipsychotics — and can generally do so without fear of relapse to dementia-related behaviors — researchers say.
Diabetics are at risk of developing dementia earlier and dying sooner, according to research in the American Journal of Epidemiology.
May 01, 2013
There has been a trend of late to refer to specialized care of individuals with dementia as "memory care." I understand the need for a quick, catchy title for a new product or service line in long-term care, but I worry about the message this one may send and the mindset it might create in management, families and employees. Here's why.
May 01, 2013
The housing and care of Alzheimer's disease and dementia patients has been on a roll. The recent progression of designs and elements has led to improvements for residents and the staff who care for them.
The government of Japan will fund the development of four different kinds of robots that could perform essential tasks in nursing homes, the Japan Daily Press reported Monday.
April 16, 2013
I was hoping not to have occasion to write another column about tragedy so soon, but the terrible events at the Boston Marathon on Monday compel me to focus on the amount of information we provide to residents about distressing outside events.
Reducing the number of residents with dementia who are on antipsychotics starts with reassessment, experts advised at this week's American College of Health Care Administrators convocation In Orlando. The key is a multi-step process providers can follow.
People with diabetes are at risk of developing dementia earlier and dying sooner, according to recently published research.
April 09, 2013
Technology holds the promise of a new model of engagement for persons with dementia. This was a key message delivered at an April 9 webinar examining the challenges and opportunities that applied technology has to offer such residents. During the broadcast, Dr. Judah Ronch from the Erickson School delivers a comprehensive overview, while Juliet Holt Klinger shares results from a pilot study at Brookdale Senior Living's communities. This free McKnight's webcast was originally broadcast live on April 9, 2013. It is now available for re-viewing or by others wanting to see it for the first time, by entering the registration page.
Memory training combined with a Montessori-based approach to daily living can improve nutrition and reduce depression among those with dementia, a study in the Journal of Advanced Nursing finds.
April 01, 2013
There has been a trend of late to refer to specialized care of individuals with dementia as "memory care." I understand the need for a quick, catchy title for a new product or service line in long-term care, but I worry about the message it may send and the mind set it might create in management, families and employees. Here's why.
Nursing homes using antipsychotic drugs for dementia care can and should take most residents off these medications, according to recently published research.
March 04, 2013
In all the tumult over the Time magazine expose of pervasive and obscene healthcare billing excesses, you might have missed the almost as exciting discovery that foot massages at work lower blood pressure and anxiety for dementia caregivers. At least one snippy McKnight's reader irately claims this isn't "real news." He or she definitely needs a lengthy foot rub, and possibly half a Xanax dissolved in a cup of chamomile tea.
March 01, 2013
Facility features coax residents out of their rooms, emphasizing an enjoyable atmosphere and allowing wandering of the grounds.
March 01, 2013
Virginia — State Sen. Bill Stanley (R) has introduced a bill requiring that nursing homes, assisted living facilities and other certified nursing facilities obtain minimum levels of insurance. If SB70 becomes law, affected facilities would have to maintain liability coverage of at least $1 million, and have levels of professional liability insurance defined by the state's medical malpractice caps.
A particular type of memory training combined with a Montessori-based approach to daily living can decrease depression in dementia patients by improving their eating habits, according to a recent study.
Caregivers working with seniors who have dementia benefit from foot massages administered during their shifts, suggests new research.
February 01, 2013
A new six-step approach from Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing professors outlines management of behavioral symptoms in dementia.
Providers are invited to take part in a 90-minute teleconference Thursday that is aimed at improving dementia care in nursing homes. The mission of the National Partnership to Improve Dementia Care will be the focus of the call, which starts at 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services says it hopes the partnership's work will lead to less use of antipsychotic medications. CMS experts will discuss goals, quality measures and ongoing efforts before ending with a question-and-answer session. Eligible professionals may earn continuing education credits.
Researchers say they've made a major breakthrough in the effort to develop an Alzheimer's disease vaccine.
November 14, 2012
As the editor of a business-to-business publication, I can promise you there are plenty of life stories being put out nowadays. Too many. Unfortunately, they are usually tales in search of a decent writer. Thankfully, however, there are also the rare occasions when a skilled writer decides to tell a good story. Elaine C. Pereira's "I will never forget" clearly is this.
If seniors have to pay a higher portion of their medical costs, it could lead to their financial ruin, especially if they have dementia, a study asserts.
September 06, 2012
I've promised myself only two things in life about my use of social and/or digital media. Readers, I'm about to break both of my own rules with this post.
Poor dental hygiene habits are tied to an increased risk for developing dementia in older age, a new study found.
Seniors who have experienced episodes of delirium have a significant risk of developing dementia, new research suggests.
August 06, 2012
A new effort known as the Dementia Initiative germinated from the belief that there is a moral and ethical societal imperative to view and understand people living with dementia as whole beings, and not from the framework of his/her health condition.
Alzheimer's disease appears to progress more slowly in adults over 80, investigators have found. As a result, this type of late-onset Alzheimer's disease may be more difficult to detect and treat.
