Dementia is a significant and complex health challenge in British Columbia (BC) and across Canada. As the aging population increases, so does the prevalence of dementia. By 2030, nearly 1 million Canadians are projected to be living with dementia, and by 2050, this number could exceed 1.7 million. In BC, the number of individuals affected […]

A recent study estimates that the number of people in the United States developing dementia each year will double to nearly one million annually by 2060. For Black Americans, the annual number of new cases is projected to triple. This surge is primarily driven by the aging population, as Americans are living longer than ever […]

Reminiscence therapy offers a unique and drug-free approach to improve well-being in Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. By strategically incorporating sights, sounds, smells, and other sensory cues, therapists can spark vivid memories from the distant past. This technique leverages a key strength in these patient populations: their long-term memory often remains relatively intact, even when recent […]

Smart homes use devices and systems connected to a network that can be controlled remotely or automatically. These devices include lighting, heating and cooling systems, security cameras, door locks, and household appliances. For seniors, smart homes offer many practical benefits that can significantly enhance their quality of life and independence. Contents1 Security Systems2 Smart Appliances3 […]

Assistive technology, including mobile apps, significantly enhances wellbeing, independence, and autonomy, empowering individuals with dementia to live independently for longer. Moreover, telehealth technology provides comprehensive support, benefiting both individuals with dementia and their caregivers. Through telehealth, community dementia care is enhanced by offering education, consultation, therapy, social support, and clinical care, all accessible remotely. Additionally, […]

For Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia patients, treatment and care costs in the United States will increase from 203 billion USD to 1.2 trillion USD per year by 2050. (WHO, Global Health and Aging, Technical Report, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health; 2011). The aging population and rising number of Alzheimer’s patients necessitate […]

The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) evaluates cognitive function in older adults. It’s vital to recognize early changes in physiological status and response to treatment, as cognitive decline during illness or injury is common in this population. Older adults are at a higher risk, but cognitive changes necessitate prompt and aggressive intervention (Gwanghee Han). The Mini-Mental […]

Psychologist John Ridley Stroop designed the Stroop Color and Word Test (SCWT) in the 1930s as a neuropsychological assessment tool. It widely evaluates one’s capacity to inhibit cognitive interference. The Stroop effect occurs when processing a particular stimulus feature impedes the simultaneous processing of a second stimulus feature. The test evaluates factors such as attention […]

This article provides a general overview of Alzheimer’s disease, followed by an introduction to tools and tests for its early detection. Given the importance of examining the details of diagnostic tests for Alzheimer’s, subsequent articles will provide more detailed introductions to each of these tools and their features. They will discuss the role of technology […]

Caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease is a multifaceted and often challenging endeavor. This chapter explores the unique challenges faced by caregivers, effective strategies for patient care, and the importance of support networks in providing comprehensive and compassionate assistance. Contents1 Caregiver Challenges2 Effective Patient Care3 Supportive Resources for Caregivers4 Thoughtful Gifts for Elderly Individuals and […]

Contents1 Unveiling Alzheimer’s Disease2 Understanding Alzheimer’s3 Symptoms and Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease4  Early Warning Signs5  Diagnosis and Assessment Unveiling Alzheimer’s Disease Alzheimer’s disease is a complex and progressive neurodegenerative disorder that significantly impacts the lives of individuals and their families. Consequently, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of Alzheimer’s. We’ll cover its historical context, […]

In the quest for cognitive health, the role of nutrition, specifically vitamin C, has been a subject of scrutiny. Can this essential nutrient play a preventive role in the onset of dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease? Can Vitamin C prevent dementia? Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, stands out as a potent antioxidant. With its […]