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Exploring New Treatments for Dementia Without Medication
Along with our increasing population of adults over 65 is the growing occurrence of dementia . Dementia can be caused by various diseases or conditions , and affects a person ’ s memory and other cognitive abilities to the point of interfering with daily life . Alzheimer ’ s disease is the leading cause of dementia . November is National Alzheimer ’ s Disease Awareness Month , and according to the Alzheimer ’ s Association , nearly 7 million Americans are living with the disease and 1 in 3 older adults dies from Alzheimer ’ s or another form of dementia .
More than 11 million Americans provide billions of hours of unpaid care for people living with dementia . In 2024 , Alzheimer ’ s disease , as well as other causes of dementia , will cost the United States about $ 360 billion .
No cure for dementia currently exists . However , here is a look at a few of the innovations in development today :
Remembering Through Meals
In an experimental program administered by University of California San Francisco ’ s Global Brain Health Institute , participants prepare and share meals connected to experiences or periods in their lives to unlock and connect with treasured memories .
Kodak ’ s Reminiscence Therapy Tool
Kodak has developed an AI tool to help people with dementia visually reconstruct memories for which they don ’ t have photos . Through a website called Memory Shots , users construct an image of a memory based on descriptive information they enter . This type of therapy has been shown to ease stress and anxiety .
Immersion Room Helps With Memory Connections
A new room at Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in New York gives residents an immersive experience to help them reconnect with their memories in a relaxed setting . The 13-by-13 room has a stateof-the-art projection system and visually stimulating sights , sounds and scents .
Innovative Technology for Seniors Living Alone UC Davis Health researcher Alyssa Weakley has designed a task management tool to help older adults who are aging in place to keep track of important information and communicate with relatives and caregivers . The tool is called Interactive Care Platform or I-Care , and has six main functions including an interactive homepage , calendar , to-do list , messaging feature , collaborative notes section for appointments and vacation plans , and a section for tracking beneficial brain health activities , such as exercise and cognitive engagement . In addition to helping seniors manage everyday activities , I-Care helps reduce feelings of social isolation and loneliness .
Dementia Care Navigator
In July 2024 , the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services launched a test program to support individuals with dementia and their unpaid caregivers . The pilot , called the Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience ( GUIDE ) Model , is voluntary and will run nationwide for eight years . GUIDE is meant to fill a need for comprehensive , coordinated care for those living with dementia as well as those who are providing unpaid care for them .
“ Brain Gym ” Pilot Program Residents at Vi senior living community in La Jolla , California , can now take part in a 12-week pilot program designed to test and improve brain health and cognitive function . During the case study , participants averaged an 11 percent improvement in reaction time and a 22 percent reduced error rate .
Treating Alzheimer ’ s With Light and Sound
As Alzheimer ’ s disease sets in , it robs the affected person in different ways . One effect is a reduction in gamma waves , fast-frequency brain waves associated with thinking and memory . Massachusetts-based Cognito Therapeutics has created a headset that uses flashing lights and sounds to activate the brain ’ s visual and auditory pathways . With its headset , Cognito seeks to synchronize and strengthen neural connections in the brain , thus staving off cognitive decline .
Looking Ahead to Future Treatment for Dementia
While we wait for a cure for Alzheimer ’ s disease and other dementiacausing conditions , these and other experimental programs and technologies represent hope for improving the quality of life for those affected . As research continues , the innovations could pave the way for more effective , personalized care solutions , helping individuals live healthier , safer , and more fulfilling lives .
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer ’ s or another form of dementia , you can contact one of the experienced attorneys at Zacharia Brown to learn more about care options and how to plan and pay for care .
Carrie Conboy is an associate attorney and practices in the areas of Estate Planning & Administration with the elder law firm of Zacharia Brown P . C . Zacharia Brown is one of the oldest , most-established elder law firms in western Pennsylvania . Pittsburgh-area office locations include McMurray , McKeesport , and Wexford . Contact information – Phone : 724.942.6200 . Website : www . pittsburghelderlaw . com . Email : carrie @ pittsburghelderlaw . com .
McMurray / Wexford - 724.942.6200 Murrysville / Versailles - 412.751.5670
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