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Tips for Staying Up-to-Date on Dementia Research

When you become a caregiver for someone with dementia, it may feel like you become an unofficial expert in the disease as well.

One of the things we recommend that caregivers and family members do, once a loved one has been diagnosed with dementia, is to learn as much as possible about the disease, current treatments and any up-to-date research that is going on. Knowing as much as possible about dementia and what’s being researched will help you be the best advocate possible for your loved one.

While it may seem like, on the surface, you’re doing the doctor’s job (after all, they’re the experts – why don’t they know everything that’s going on with dementia research?), your singular focus will better help you locate resources and provide information that will help your doctors do their job to the best of their ability.

Your doctor’s primary job is to take care of their patients, including your loved one, and that’s something they do spectacularly. However, spending all that time taking care of people means they don’t always have enough time to research current trends and find out the most up-do-date dementia research. As a caregiver, you can understand not having enough hours in the day! By researching on your own time and providing your doctors with the recent advancements, you’re working as a team – he or she can help you find the best avenues for research that will help your loved one, and you’re reducing the doctor’s legwork.

Staying up-to-date on dementia research also helps caregivers and family members provide the best assistance possible for their loved one in ways other than healthcare. While a lot of dementia research currently deals with the causes of dementia and potential ways to prevent it, some studies deal with potential ways to treat the disease, including best practices for caregivers. Knowing the most up-to-date and recommended practices will help you be a better caregiver and give your loved one the best quality of life possible.

Staying Updated … Online

It should come as no surprise that the best way to stay updated on dementia research is by hitting the Internet. Dementias such as Alzheimer’s disease have been brought to the public’s attention in a big way over the past few years, and many organizations have made knowledge and research as simple to find as pushing a button. Below are some of the most helpful and informative national organizations and online resources for caregivers looking to find the most up-to-date information on dementia research.

Alzheimer’s Association®

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia (anywhere from 60-80% of individuals with dementia have Alzheimer’s). The Alzheimer’s Association®, founded in 1980, is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. While their primary research is related to Alzheimer’s disease, they are also champions for dementia research on a holistic level. Today, they are growing philanthropic support for Alzheimer’s research, fostering a dynamic community of Alzheimer’s scientists and securing increased federal funding for research – all of which are instrumental to finding new treatments to stop, slow and prevent Alzheimer’s disease as well as other forms of dementia.

ScienceDaily – Dementia News

ScienceDaily features breaking news about the latest discoveries in science, health, the environment, technology and more – from leading universities, scientific journals and research organizations. This is an excellent resource to see the most up-to-date research and advancements in the field of dementia studies, as it’s updated daily and is fairly accessible in its language and explanations.

National Institute on Aging – Dementia Research and Clinical Trials 

The National Institute on Aging provides information on both current research and clinical trials being undertaken to study Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and other forms of cognitive disease. NIA, one of the 27 Institutes and Centers of NIH, leads a broad scientific effort to understand the nature of aging and to extend the healthy, active years of life. NIA is the primary Federal agency supporting and conducting Alzheimer’s disease research.

Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease

This website has been designed to meet the needs of scientific researchers, so it’s much more science-y than other sites suggested in this article. However, if you’ve a mind for scientific research and don’t mind incredibly technical language, this is a great resource for you (and perhaps your doctor, as well).

Alzheimer’s News Today

Alzheimer’s News Today an aggregate news source and informational website about Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

Staying Updated … In Person

The best place for staying up-to-date in person with dementia research is your loved one’s physician. While we mentioned at the start of this article that they aren’t always able to spend as much time as they (or you) would like looking into dementia research, they may be aware of resources, organizations and clinical trials that are happening that aren’t necessarily public knowledge.

Another excellent place to find information on dementia research? Memory care communities such as Bridges® by EPOCH at Westwood. As experts in dementia care, memory care communities are constantly staying up-to-date with dementia best practices as well as ongoing research.

We admire and support family caregivers of those with dementia, and our doors are always open for advice, assistance and support throughout the dementia journey, no matter whether your loved one is a member of our community or not.

Part of that assistance means helping family caregivers stay up-to-date on dementia research and see if there are any resources available that will assist their loved one and help them live the most fulfilled, happy and engaged life possible. Our goal is to promote dignity, fulfillment and joy through all stages of memory loss, as well as provide support to family members and caregivers. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions about up-to-date research about dementia – we enjoy sharing as much information as possible.

Exceptional Care & Fulfilling Lifestyle

Bridges® by EPOCH at Westwood provides memory care assisted living that is comfortable, positive, safe and engaging. Exclusively dedicated to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, our community offers a wellness-focused lifestyle that promotes dignity and individual preferences. Our memory care professionals receive specialized and ongoing training designed to help residents maximize their independence in a secure, calm environment – enriching the lives of our residents every day.

Inspiring Programs for All Stages

No matter what level of care or service is needed, residents and families can rest assured that our care and life enrichment programs address the various stages of memory decline, allowing residents the opportunity to age in place.

Dedicated Memory Care

At Bridges® by EPOCH at Westwood, our services are designed to recognize and adapt to the unique challenges and individuality of each resident, while ensuring comfort and safety. We believe in a full-service approach to care and provide a high level of personalized attention for residents in various stages of memory loss.

Contact us today to learn more.

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