Recently, Time magazine published an in-depth article that covered the advancements in research to determine cause and hopefully someday, a cure for Alzheimer's disease. Of course, any new discoveries in this field provide hope for future generations who may be susceptible to this disease.  As November is Alzheimer's Awareness Month, I'm sure there will be many more articles and discussions on that research as well as the advancements in Alzheimer's and dementia care.
   There has been a movement over the last several years to overhaul the care systems in nursing homes and assisted living communities, especially for those residents with Alzheimer's disease.  The cognitive deterioration caused by dementia can lead to:
 

•  Limited or no short term memory
•  Depression
•  Lethargy
•  Confusion

 
    Researchers and caregivers have been looking for new and better ways to help keep those with Alzheimer's alert and aware of their surroundings as much as possible.  Many different therapies are used for:
 

•  Memory recollection
•  Communication improvement
•  Problematic behaviors 

    Withdrawing from society, in turn, escalates the problems.  Sycamore Village has been utilizing many of these therapies for years.  In addition to the more structured therapies used, such as art and horticultural, they also use a multi-sensory stimulus room or a Snoezelen.  Snoezelens have primarily been used for children with special needs and autism, but can be tailored to meet the needs of specific populations according to age and ability.  Recent research has shown that Snoezelens can help improve cognition, communication, and functional behavior in those with dementia. The blend of sights, sounds, and textures in Sycamore's Snoezelen offers their individuals with Alzheimer's and dementia a non-threatening environment and an opportunity to enjoy a wide range of sensory experiences.
     The concept of the Snoezelen was originated by psychologist, Ad Verheual, who after observing his patients' reactions to their surroundings, discovered that by stimulating the five senses, the patients were calmed, but also became more interactive with their environments.  With the help of a colleague, Jan Hulsegge, they wrote a book called Snoezelen taken from two Dutch words, snuffelen (to seek out) and doezelen (to relax).  Though the concepts derived from the book were first adapted to treating children with autism and other disorders, it was later discovered that sensory stimulation also benefited adults with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.
     Regardless of when a cause and/or cure is discovered for Alzheimer's, the treatments and care given to those with the disease must continue to develop and advance.  For years, the focus of Alzheimer's care has been on retrieving lost memories.  However, with the "culture change" that is taking place in the field of care giving, there is a new found emphasis on getting those individuals to live in the "now".  It is no different than the balance we all try to achieve in our lives, looking back but moving forward.  Snoezelens continue to gain popularity as part of Alzheimer's care in senior living communities.  However, something I have not come across is the use of a snoezelen room by personal or family caregivers in a home setting.  Have you or someone you know, used the snoezelen techniques while caring for someone with Alzheimer's at home? 

Our goal is to always open a dialogue about senior health care, especially Alzheimer's disease and the care involved.  We urge everyone to respond and share their experiences or ask questions.