Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/858493
" T h e re h a s b e e n l i t t l e re s e a rc h exa m i n i n g h o w t o h e l p i n d i v i d u a l s d i a g n o s e d w i t h d e m e nt i a t h r i ve i n a n a s s i s t e d l i v i n g fa c i l i t y. We 're h a p p y t h at T h e B r i s t a l A s s i s t e d L i v i n g h a s c re at e d a s p a c e fo r u s t o ex p l o re n e w a n d i n n ovat i ve ways t o b e t t e r t h e c a re o f p at i e nt s w i t h A l z h e i m e r 's d i s e a s e a n d d e m e nt i a ." — Pe t e r D av i e s, P h D, d i re c t o r o f t h e L i t w i n - Zu c ke r Ce nt e r fo r A l z h e i m e r 's D i s e a s e a n d M e m o r y D i s o rd e r s An exciting new partnership between the Litwin-Zucker Center for Alzheimer's Disease and Memory Disorders and The Bristal Assisted Living could enhance quality of life and cognition for assisted living residents with dementia. Over the past decade, assisted living residences such as those managed by The Bristal Assisted Living have become a popular housing option for elderly individuals who need increased help with daily tasks. While transitioning to an assisted living facility can be difficult for all residents, it can be particularly challenging for those with dementia, who find the lack of familiar surroundings especially stressful. Now, researchers are working with residents of The Bristal Assisted Living on an exciting new project. They hope to learn how to ease this transition and keep residents with dementia in the home-like setting of assisted living longer, which is preferred over more institutionalized living arrangements. Positioned for progress As part of this new relationship, a dedicated 1,100-square-foot clinical space was created at The Bristal at Lake Success. This residence is specifically designed to identify and supplement the needs of residents with memory disorders. "We plan to investigate whether demographic, health and cognitive factors as well as physical, social and mental activities affect the length of time a resident is able to remain in assisted living without transferring to a higher level of care," said Peter Davies, PhD, director of the Litwin-Zucker Center for Alzheimer's Disease and Memory Disorders. "The best way to do that is to work with residents in the assisted living environment. We are developing weight training and dance therapies, which will help maintain the mental health of residents and also have a positive impact on their physical health and mobility — additional elements which help to improve quality of life." Residents who agree to participate in these programs go through cognitive testing before beginning Alzheimer's disease and assisted living — participation and at regular intervals thereafter. They aim to find out which programs best help residents improve or at least maintain their abilities. Engagement in mental and physical activities, as well as socialization, are thought to maximize retention of function and quality of life. unlocking the key to a better life FeinsteinInstitute.org 3 Research + development