Senior Living News

At Autumn View Gardens in Ellisville, MO, our approach to assisted living and memory care focuses on a unique care plan for each resident. We strive to stay on top of the latest developments in memory care, including the following trends.

Virtual Reality Technology

Virtual reality (VR) isn't a new technology, and its use in memory care treatment is certainly not new. However, it's still not as widespread as it should be. The technology can be beneficial to caregivers and residents alike.

A UK-based nonprofit has developed a VR application that allows caregivers to experience life with a neurodegenerative disease. The app aims to provide insight into daily struggles those with diseases like Alzheimer's might face. This allows caregivers to adjust their level of care and understanding. Sometimes residents in memory care may experience anxiety and stress and lash out, for example. By understanding their frustration and fear a little better, the treatment can be adjusted accordingly.

Studies are also underway to use VR as a means to improve the overall well-being and quality of life for those with dementia. The technology allows participants to feel like they're in a different environment. The simulations can be programmed to create a homelike environment, an event or a nostalgic scene. It encourages escapism to some degree, which can temporarily alleviate pain and frustration caused by a lack of mobility.

Targeting Beta-Amyloid

One of the signs of Alzheimer's disease is the presence of plaque in the brain, also known as beta-amyloid. These proteins tend to clump together, which damages synapses. This causes a misfire between neurons that affects proper brain communication. There are three ways researchers hope to prevent this from happening:

1. Antibody mimicking. Two drugs have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Association (FDA): monoclonal antibody aducanumab (Aduhelm) and lecanemab (Leqembi). These drugs have varying levels of success and are promising in terms of removing plaque clumps. A third drug, Donanemab, is still in the trial phase.
2. Reversing damage. One of the effects of Alzheimer's is the destruction of synapses between neurons. Neurons can have thousands of synaptic connections, and when these start failing, entire cognitive functions can be lost. A drug that's been successful in restoring the synapses between neurons in mice has now been approved for human trials.
3. Blocking beta-amyloid. For those who've tested positive for the markers for Alzheimer's, researchers are hoping to prevent beta-amyloids from forming. However, the results are still inconclusive, and those hoping to test it are warned of possible severe side effects.

Behavioral and Psychological Intervention

Alzheimer's can be a debilitating disease that affects more than cognition. The frustration of dealing with the disease and gradually experiencing a decline in mobility can also cause behavioral and psychological problems, such as sleep disturbances and hallucinations. Medical professionals recommend that a non-pharmaceutical treatment plan be developed first before relying on medication to alleviate these symptoms.

One intervention that has FDA approval is medication for insomnia. Belsomra is the one listed by the Alzheimer's Association. The drug is recommended for those with mild to moderate Alzheimer's.

Universal Design

Research reveals that neighborhood-like design is more attractive and stimulating to memory care residents than traditional architectural designs. The environment itself can act as a form of treatment. Research also shows that accessible design allows autonomy for longer.

Simple design elements that can improve the quality of life for memory care residents include:

• Better wayfinding. One of the frustrations of cognitive decline is getting lost. Clear signage that allows residents to find their own way supports more freedom. It's also important to clearly mark cabinetry and doors to avoid confusion.
• Easy access. For those experiencing cognitive decline, finding things they might have easily found in the past is not as easy anymore. This can include simple things such as drinking glasses, laundry detergent or linens. Try to mark cabinetry with the contents or replace the door fronts with clear versions so the contents are easy to make out.
• Wide, nonslip corridors. Cramped, small spaces are hard for anyone to navigate. For those who are experiencing a combination of memory decline and reduced mobility, wide and easy-to-navigate corridors can reduce injury.

Nostalgic design. Austere, hospital-like designs might leave residents feeling scared. A few simple touches to the decor can provide much visual relief and positive stimulation. These include color tones that mimic a certain era, comfortable furnishings and soft lighting.