According to the Alzheimer’s Association, roughly one in eight older adults in America suffers from Alzheimer’s disease – the most prevalent form of dementia. If this ratio holds true as the elderly population expands in the coming years, Senior Providers and family members alike are going to need additional caregiver support that is tailored to the needs of those with substantial cognitive decline.
Previously on this blog, we’ve covered various approaches to Alzheimer’s care including the deliberate arrangement of living spaces and the use of medical reminders and other tools to reinforce routine. On the clinical side, medical researchers are also investigating new avenues of treatment that may help slow the progression or even prevent the onset of this illness altogether. In one recent endeavor, scientists from the Minneapolis Veterans’ Affairs Health Care System discovered that supplements containing vitamin E – which can be found in fruits, vegetables and various seeds – may have potential in future Alzheimer’s treatment.
NPR covered the eye-opening study, which indicated the vitamin E supplements may boast similar benefits for memory retention in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease than widely used prescriptions.
Study participants with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s reportedly saw reduced decline over time upon taking vitamin E supplements. Overall, researchers projected that the difference amount to six months of improved function over the course of two years, the source states.
“Patients who are at the end of the illness, no one thinks slowing the rate of decline means anything if a patient is six months from going into hospice. But earlier in the disease it can be a meaningful difference,” explained lead researcher Dr. Maurice Dyksen in an interview.
Further research is necessary to confirm this correlation, but such breakthroughs could come to have a substantial impact on the eldercare industry if they contribute to more effective treatment. In addition, introducing telecare innovations that provide some degree of memory support through interactive calendars and medical reminders may also assist caregivers in this task. Additional benefits including remote monitoring and video chat also enable loved ones and eldercare professionals to reach out to care recipients quickly and easily while remaining abreast of changes in routine or behavior that may indicate something is amiss.
Independa’s suite of caregiver support technology includes all of these capabilities and more. Contact us today through our online form to find out how our telecare solutions can supplement your current services.
