New Treatment for Alzheimer Patients
Calorie Lab
Jan. 2, 2011
Approximately two-thirds of nursing home residents have some level of
dementia but there is still no effective medical treatment for the disease.
Patients can become easily agitated or combative, but one nursing home,
Beatitudes, has adopted an unorthodox way of providing care; let the patients
call the shots. Dementia patients are allowed practically anything that provides
comfort for them. Want to get a bath at 2 AM or have unlimited access to
chocolate? No problem. While the methods might seem odd, research indicated
that creating positive emotional experiences for Alzheimer’s patients reduces
distress and behavior problems. Tena Alonzo, director of research, says
“Whatever your vice is, we’re your folks.”
Calorie Lab
Jan. 2, 2011
Approximately two-thirds of nursing home residents have some level of
dementia but there is still no effective medical treatment for the disease.
Patients can become easily agitated or combative, but one nursing home,
Beatitudes, has adopted an unorthodox way of providing care; let the patients
call the shots. Dementia patients are allowed practically anything that provides
comfort for them. Want to get a bath at 2 AM or have unlimited access to
chocolate? No problem. While the methods might seem odd, research indicated
that creating positive emotional experiences for Alzheimer’s patients reduces
distress and behavior problems. Tena Alonzo, director of research, says
“Whatever your vice is, we’re your folks.”
