Naples Green Village

Not too long ago some friends' parents were diagnosed with Alzheimer's. And I was recently preparing a presentation on "Montessori Education-Positive Parenting-Adlerian Psychology", so I started thinking that Montessori work could be very useful for the elderly (my daughter attends a Montessori School).  And the more I thought about it, the more sense it made as Montessori work increases fine motor skills, builds self-esteem in the individual with its no-fail methods and emphasis on repetition, fosters concentration and independent work, among others.   Some of the Montessori principles are:  Learning occurs in a cooperative atmosphere marked by social interaction and peer teaching. A primary goal of Montessori education is to foster competent, responsible, adaptive citizens who are lifelong learners and problem solvers. Learning takes place through the senses. Students learn by manipulating material and interacting with others. These meaningful experiences are precursors to the abstract understanding of ideas. The individual is considered as a whole. The physical, emotional, social, aesthetic, spiritual, and cognitive needs and interests are inseparable and equally important.  Respect and caring attitudes for oneself, others, the environment, and all life are necessary.   So I did a search to see whether there were any studies on this, and I came across many articles featuring Karen and Tom Brenner's -  www.creativecarealternatives.com work with persons with dementia and Alzheimer's using genuine Montessori materials and principles, as well as Dr. Cameron Camp's and others' research on Montessori based approach and applications in various nursing homes across the USA with visible, immediate, positive results.  "For an older person who is experiencing memory loss, either from stroke, illness or Alzheimers disease, the use of the Montessori Method can help preserve many skills while also stimulating the mind (...) Persons with dementia may seem to be detached both physically and emotionally from their environment and the people in it. Helping older people reconnect with their environment is an important part of the Montessori approach to activities for older people. Without this sort of reconnection, people with dementia may become frustrated and agitated, even belligerent." (Montessori and Dementia: A New Vision by Tom and Karen Brenner http://tinyurl.com/alooq from Montessori International Magazine, July - September, 2005, p.38-41)  One article says of this approach "So simple, It's genius" - and actually it is the same with Adlerian positive parenting: these approaches are quite similar in that they aim at encouraging the person to feel and be part of society and to become independent and selfconfident as the person's need to belong and to contribute are very important.   "The philosophy of the Montessori method is to create persons who are as independent as possible, able to make choices, while being treated with respect and dignity. It assumes that persons want to be independent, show the abilities they have, and learn new ones; so it offers meaningful activities in environments designed to accommodate their needs. The method works with adults who have mental and physical impairments and builds upon the older adult's remaining abilities.(...) As the aging population and the prevalence of dementia increase, facilities serving older adults need to provide improved quality programming to maintain or enhance the quality of life for these individuals. Montessoribased activity programs can serve to fill this growing need. Such programs not only provide meaningful activities but also enhance recognition and memory, as well as a sense of completion and success for dementia participants." (Janina C. Bognar, MS)  This is how we should all be treated if and when the day comes - with dignity, respect and fun!. How wonderful that a person's spirit can still be encouraged to shine through these diseases.  Montessori principles can indeed help us achieve our potential at the beginning and towards the end of our life journey.  As families find themselves caring for their own parents/grandparents with various forms of dementia, Alzheimer's they may be too stressed to be able to provide a joyful, healthy environment for their own children.  However, a Montessori-based approach to caring for the elderly has been proven to enable much better inter-generational interactions. Definitely a win-win situation.   I sure hope this creative, respectful, common sense approach will be included at The White House Conference on Aging http://www.whcoa.gov that will be held December 11-14, 2005 in Washington, DC.  "The Conference "occurs once a decade to make aging policy recommendations to the President and Congress, and to assist the public and private sectors in promoting dignity, health, independence and economic security of current and future generations of older persons."  I wonder why this Conference on Aging is held just once a decade, considering the average human life span...  I submitted this comment on the US Administration on Aging www.AOA.gov (as a search for 'Montessori' yielded 0 results):   "I was rather disappointed and surprised not to find any information about Montessori based activities and the Elderly, especially Elderly with Dementia on your web site. I was sure I would find something here: Promising Practices - 39 AoA Funded Grant Projects.  I'd like to draw your attention to these conclusions:  Studies have shown that Montessori-based activities, which focus on developing an individual's unique abilities, are effective in increasing engagement between nursing home residents with dementia and their caregivers. (from Montessori Work Helps Elderly with Dementia     3 Aysegl Acar-Dreyer http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/gui/show/NCT00079651), and, "(The Montessori) method focuses on an individual's personal strengths, preferences, and abilities to increase a person's participation in facility activities and/or personal self-care, improving their independence and self-esteem. The programming has increased the residents' participation in activities and gets high marks in staff satisfaction. (from http://www.asaging.org/)"   Here are some very interesting and useful resources on Montessori Approach to Caring for the Elderly with Alzheimer's/Dementia I've compiled from the Internet:  1. Dr. Cameron Camp's publications: http://www.myersresearch.org/manuals.html  - A Different Visit: Activities for Caregivers and their Loved Ones with Memory Impairments  by Adena Joltin, Cameron J. Camp, Beverly H. Noble, Vincent M. Antenucci  - Montessori-Based Activities for Persons with Dementia, Vol. 1 by Cameron Camp Ph.D., Cameron J. Camp Ph.D. (Vol. 2 scheduled for release in November 2005 ) Dr. Camerons radio shows can be heard here: http://www.myersresearch.org/media.html  2. Lost & Found - By Barbara Basler, September 2005 - from http://www.aarp.org Link to article: http://tinyurl.com/8ojxm   3. One can download free exercises (PDF Format) to be used with the elderly, from the AARP web site: http://www.aarp.org/bulletin/longterm/alzheimer.html Treasure Hunt http://tinyurl.com/8s7cz Face Puzzle http://tinyurl.com/a5a4c Food Drive http://tinyurl.com/duac8 The Birth of the Chocolate Chip Cookie http://tinyurl.com/dqmxc Tool Match http://tinyurl.com/bjnqq  4. Unlocking What Remains, Activities for Dementia Care - Observing Montessori-Based Principles in Action at an Alzheimer's Unit - from Nursing Homes Magazine, Feb, 2005 by Linda Zinn Link to article: http://tinyurl.com/7evab   5. Articles and Activity Ideas from www.caregiving.com Caregiving 101 Link to articles: http://tinyurl.com/8fb43 a. Can Art Help Alzheimer's? by Denise M. Brown b. A Montessori Intervention by Tom and Karen Brenner * c. Fitness Training for the Mind by Tom and Karen Brenner Montessori Work Helps Elderly with Dementia     4 Aysegl Acar-Dreyer d. Reading as a Memory Tool by Tom and Karen Brenner e. Spiritual Engagement - Montessori Activities by Tom and Karen Brenner * Karen Brenner, with 30+ years experience as a Montessori teacher, and her husband Tom, a gerontologist, give seminars on the application of genuine Montessori methods for persons with dementia. They may be contacted at Bren04@aol.com www.creativecarealternatives.com   6.  Montessori Philosophy Enhances Quality Of Life For Persons With Dementia Link to article: http://tinyurl.com/atxfj from www.kahsa.org/ Focus, Vol 6, Issue 4, 4th Quarter 2004.  7. Montessori-Based Activities for Dementia: A Walk Down Memory Lane Link to article: http://tinyurl.com/ce2gt from http://www.vcu.edu Vol.18, No. 4, Fall 2003 - by Janina C. Bognar, M.S., a Geriatric Care Manager at JFS in Richmond, Virginia jbognar@jfsrichmond.org  8.  Students Help Alzheimer's Residents Retain Skills and Memories By Kathryn Podolsky Link to article http://tinyurl.com/8s4kd from http://www.cohpa.ucf.edu/  9. "Research to Practice" articles from http://www.k-state.edu/  - Montessori Techniques Piloted in Special Care Units Link to article: http://tinyurl.com/94zqg  - Activities for Residents with Dementia Using Montessori Techniques Link to article: http://tinyurl.com/bmf2n  

A number of conditions not only Alzheimer's disease can cause memory loss in older adults. Getting a prompt diagnosis and appropriate care is important. By Mayo Clinic Staff Everyone forgets things at some time. How often have you misplaced your car keys or forgotten the name of a person you just met? Some degree of memory problems, as well as a modest decline in other thinking skills, is a fairly common part of aging. There's a difference, however, between normal changes in memory and the type of memory loss associated with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. And some memory problems are the result of treatable conditions. If you're experiencing memory problems, talk to your doctor to get a timely diagnosis and appropriate care. Memory loss and aging Normal age-related memory loss doesn't prevent you from living a full and productive life. For example, you may forget a person's name, but recall it later in the day. You might misplace your glasses occasionally. Or maybe you find that you need to make lists more often than in the past in order to remember appointments or tasks. These changes in memory are generally manageable and don't disrupt your ability to work, live independently or maintain a social life. Memory loss and dementia The word "dementia" is an umbrella term used to describe a set of symptoms, including impairment in memory, reasoning, judgment, language and other thinking skills. Dementia begins gradually in most cases, worsens over time and significantly impairs a person's abilities in work, social interactions and relationships. Often, memory loss is one of the first or more-recognizable signs of dementia. Other early signs may include: Asking the same questions repeatedly Forgetting common words when speaking Mixing words up saying "bed" instead of "table," for example Taking longer to complete familiar tasks, such as following a recipe Misplacing items in inappropriate places, such as putting a wallet in a kitchen drawer Getting lost while walking or driving around a familiar neighborhood Undergoing sudden changes in mood or behavior for no apparent reason Becoming less able to follow directions Diseases that cause progressive damage to the brain and consequently result in dementia include: Alzheimer's disease, the most common cause of dementia Vascular dementia (multi-infarct dementia) Frontotemporal dementia Lewy body dementia Each of these conditions has a somewhat different disease process (pathology). Memory impairment isn't always the first sign of disease, and the type of memory problems may vary. Mild cognitive impairment Mild cognitive impairment is a notable change in thinking skills that's limited, for the most part, to a narrow set of problems, such as impairment only in memory. Changes in concentration, attention or mental quickness may also be observed. Mild cognitive impairment generally doesn't prevent a person from carrying out everyday tasks and being socially engaged. Researchers and physicians are still learning much about mild cognitive impairment. For many people, the condition eventually progresses to Alzheimer's disease or another disorder causing dementia. Other people experience little progression in memory loss, and they don't develop the whole spectrum of symptoms associated with dementia. Reversible causes of memory loss Many medical problems can cause memory loss or other dementia-like symptoms. Most of these conditions can be successfully treated, and your doctor can screen you for conditions that cause reversible memory impairment. Possible causes of reversible memory loss include: Medications. A single medication or a certain combination of medications may result in forgetfulness or confusion. Minor head trauma or injury. A head injury from a fall or accident even an injury that doesn't result in a loss of consciousness may cause memory problems. Depression or other mental health disorders. Stress, anxiety or depression can cause forgetfulness, confusion, difficulty concentrating and other problems that disrupt daily activities. Alcoholism. Chronic alcoholism can seriously impair mental abilities. Alcohol can also cause memory loss by interacting with medications. Vitamin B-12 deficiency. Vitamin B-12 helps maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells. A vitamin B-12 deficiency common in older adults can cause memory problems. Hypothyroidism. An underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) slows the processing of nutrients to create energy for cells (metabolism). Hypothyroidism can result in forgetfulness and other thinking problems. Tumors. A tumor in the brain may cause memory problems or other dementia-like symptoms. When to see your doctor If you're concerned about memory loss, see your doctor. He or she can conduct tests to judge the degree of memory impairment and diagnose the cause. Your doctor is likely to have a number of questions for you, and you will benefit by having a family member or friend along to answer some questions based on his or her observations. Questions may include: How long have you been experiencing memory problems? What medications including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs and dietary supplements do you take regularly? What is the dosage of each? Have you recently started taking a new drug? What tasks do you find too difficult to perform or finish? What have you done to cope with memory problems? Have these things helped you? Do you drink alcohol? How much do you drink daily? Have you recently been in an accident, fallen or injured your head? Have you recently been sick? Have you recently felt sad, depressed or anxious? Have you recently experienced a major loss, change or stressful event in your life? What is your daily routine? How has your routine changed recently? In addition to a general physical exam, your doctor will likely conduct relatively brief question-and-answer tests to judge your memory and other thinking skills. He or she may also order blood tests and brain-imaging tests that can help identify reversible causes of memory problems and dementia-like symptoms. You may also be referred to a specialist in diagnosing dementia or memory disorders, such as a neurologist, psychiatrist, psychologist or geriatrician. The importance of a diagnosis Coming to terms with memory loss and the possible onset of dementia can be difficult. A person may try to hide memory problems, and family members or friends may compensate for a person's loss of memory sometimes without being aware of how much they've adapted to the impairment. Getting a prompt diagnosis is important, even if it's a challenging step. Identifying a reversible cause of memory impairment enables you to get appropriate treatment. Also, an early diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder is beneficial for a number of reasons: Beginning treatments to manage symptoms Educating yourself, family and friends about the disease Determining future care preferences Identifying care facilities or at-home care options Settling financial or legal matters Your doctor can help you identify appropriate community resources and organizations, such as the Alzheimer's Association, to help you cope with memory loss and other dementia symptoms.  

Alzheimers disease is one of the most common problems people face in their 70s and 80s.  One of the most important things you can do is tell people who would be taking care of you what you would want for medical care if you were to develop worsening dementia.   What is dementia?  Over 5-20 years, people with Alzheimers (and other forms of dementia) lose their memory and completely lose the ability to understand what's going on around them.  Eventually people with dementia no longer recognize people they know, and eventually need help from others cleaning themselves up after they go to the bathroom.  There is no known cure for dementia. Gradually people lose the ability to speak, eat, and walk. Eventually people die from dementia, often from dementia-related pneumonia. This process takes anywhere from 5 years to 20 years. The average time it takes dementia to progress to a severe form (of not being able to dress or feed oneself) is about 8 years.                  One of the most important questions to consider is:  What kind of medical care would you want if  you were to develop worsening dementia?   Copyright 2017. Unlimited use allowed for non-commercial purposes. Why it's important to express your wishes  People with advancing dementia lose the ability to make decisions for themselves. Their families need to make medical decisions for them.   Giving family members guidance about what kind of care you'd want if you were to develop worsening dementia can ease the burden of their decision making and make you feel more secure that you'll receive the care that you would want.  Your guidance today will help the people taking care of you in the future.    What kinds of guidance can you give?  As dementia gets worse, many medical tests and procedures become harder for people to go through, with more risk of side effects and bad reactions. As people lose the ability to understand what is happening they can become fearful and agitated by unfamiliar surroundings.  As their mind fades away, many people feel that life loses much of its meaning, especially when theyre no longer able to understand what is happening around them. At points along the way, many people might not want medical care which would keep them alive longer. Instead they might want only medical care that would help keep them comfortable.  On the following pages are descriptions of the stages of dementia. By filling out this form you can give guidance to your loved ones. Read the description of each stage, then mark the box that reflects what goals of medical care you would want for yourself if you were at that stage of dementia.     Copyright 2017. Unlimited use allowed for non-commercial purposes. Stage 1  --  Mild dementia  People may often lose ability to remember recent events in their lives. Routine tasks become difficult (such as cooking.) Some tasks can become more dangerous (such as driving.) If you were to be at this stage of dementia what level of medical care would you want for yourself?   Select one of the 4 main goals of care listed below to express your wishes. Choose the goal of care that describes what you would want at this stage.  If I had moderate dementia then I would want the goal for my care to be:  To live for as long as I could. I would want full efforts to prolong my life, including efforts to restart my heart if it stops beating.  To receive treatments to prolong my life, but if my heart stops beating or I cant breathe on my own then do not shock my heart to restart it (DNR) and do not place me on a breathing machine. Instead, if either of these happens, allow me to die peacefully. Reason why: if I took such a sudden turn for the worse then my dementia would likely be worse if I survived, and this would not be an acceptable quality of life for me.  To only receive care in the place where I am living. I would not want to go to the hospital even if I were very ill, and I would not want to be resuscitated (DNR). If a treatment, such as antibiotics, might keep me alive longer and could be given in the place where I was living, then I would want such care. But if I continued to get worse, I would not want to go to an emergency room or a hospital. Instead, I would want to be allowed to die peacefully. Reason why:  I would not want the possible risks and trauma which can come from being in the hospital.   To receive comfort-oriented care only, focused on relieving my suffering such as pain, anxiety, or breathlessness. I would not want any care that would keep me alive longer.    

It can be hard to decide when someone who has Alzheimer's should no longer live alone. With sufficient lifestyle supports and memory aids, some people with the disease live independently for years. The illness usually begins mildly, and it progresses at different rates for different people. Eventually, though, you may have your doubts about how well things are going. Are you overreacting to ordinary problems? Or making excuses so you can postpone tough choices? It can be difficult to know. Confounding the issue is the fact that people with dementia are often able to conceal the severity of their problems, especially if you don't see them every day. Here are some questions to help you decide whether the person needs more assistance. Each "yes" answer is a red flag that warrants a closer look. Changes in communication Have letters and grandchildren's birthday cards slowed or stopped? Does she seldom initiate calls anymore (it's always you calling first)? Does she seem in a hurry to get off the phone, fail to ask you many questions, or seem unresponsive to your comments? Do you get nonemergency calls at unreasonable hours, or hear complaints from friends that they're receiving such calls? As dementia progresses, she may find it difficult to follow the steps involved in writing, addressing, stamping, and mailing a letter. Phone conversations become difficult to follow. It can be worrisome when you can only get firsthand updates by visiting in person. And someone who can't write and mail letters may also have trouble completing the steps involved in cooking or driving. Odd communications in the evenings or at night can be characteristic of sundown syndrome, the worsening of confusion and other Alzheimer's symptoms that sometimes occurs late in the day. Changes in self-care Is she losing weight inexplicably? Is she gaining weight inexplicably? Has her usual style (hair, makeup, clothing) become noticeably different? Does she dress appropriately for the occasion? Does she dress appropriately for the weather? Have you detected the smell of urine on her clothes? Does she stay up later and later, and then not wake until practically midday? Unexplained weight loss may signal an illness, such as depression, or may reflect that she's losing the ability to go through the complex steps of shopping and cooking, or is even forgetting to eat. Conversely, she may forget she's just had a meal, and eat again and again. Obvious signs of a change in grooming standards, whether she's just more How to Tell if Someone With Alzeheimers Needs Assisted Living  sloppy or more flamboyant or inappropriate, may indicate these tasks are becoming too much for her. Unpleasant body odors may mean she's neglecting to bathe or forgetting to toilet. Mixed-up hours (day and night) can be symptomatic of sundowning or depression, and tend to fuel unhealthy isolation. Changes in social life When you pick her up for an appointment, is she routinely not ready yet? Does she forget you said you'd be visiting and seem surprised to see you? Does she berate you for being late when you're not? Does she no longer mention certain old friends, or when you mention them, is she dismissive? Has she quit longstanding social engagements (clubs, card parties, religious committees)? Has she noticeably lost interest in younger grandchildren (she's no longer asking about them, wanting to spend time with them, or sending them notes or gifts)? A shrinking social life and increased isolation are not natural functions of aging. Unless she's so old that her longtime friends have all moved or died, it's more likely that she's withdrawing because of embarrassment about her dementia or inability to keep up -- or her friends are dropping her because of their own discomfort. Social appointments may also dwindle as her concept of time grows muddied. A person with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia may forget meetings, anticipate them at the wrong time, and also lose track of recent acquaintances. Changes in the household Have you ever come to visit and found the temperature of the house inappropriate (much too hot or too cold)? Are cupboards full of multiple units of the same item, more than she could reasonably consume? Is the refrigerator full of expired or spoiled food? Is the refrigerator nearly empty? Do you see any melted pots or pans with burned bottoms? Do you see signs of spills that haven't been mopped? Are there piles of unopened mail or obviously unread newspapers? Can you smell urine? When you visit, keep alert for these signs that she's not keeping up with everyday home care. Simply buying the same foods over and over (a particular brand of cereal, 20 varieties of vinegar) is a memory problem that may seem harmless, if expensive. But it's a safety hazard if she's forgetting to turn off burners, turn up thermostats, clean spills, or throw out old food. How to Tell if Someone With Alzheimers Needs Assisted Living  Additional signs it's time for assisted living Other more obvious and more ominous warning signs that someone may no longer be able to live alone include: Having electricity or water shut off because bills have gone unpaid Letters thanking her for her contribution to a charitable organization that you're not aware she has a history of supporting Robbery (because she let someone in the house unsuspectingly or left a door unlocked) Wandering from home or getting lost,  

  As part of our wholistic care philosophy, we greatly emphasize daily exposure to a very pleasant and stimulating outdoor environment. The intimate park-like areas of our facility (shown below) are intended to entice our resident to the outdoors and enjoy an experience under magnificent oak trees and pleasantly meandering pathways. Its no secret that long walks through the forest, trips to the beach, and taking strolls through local parks can improve your mood and your mental well being, but now even doctors are acknowledging the benefits and prescribing outdoor activities as part of a regimen for chronic illness. Earlier this month, National Health Service Shetland, a UK healthcare provider, initiated a program that they are referring to as nature prescriptions, which they hope will assist with conditions such as depression, high blood pressure, and anxiety. "Through the 'Nature Prescriptions' project GPs [doctors] and nurses can explain and promote the many benefits which being outdoors can have on physical and mental well-being," Lauren Peterson, health improvement practitioner for NHS Shetland, said in a statement. It may seem only mildly beneficial at first glance, but extensive studies have shown that exposure to nature can have impactful and long lasting beneficial effects, including reduction in depression, reduced blood pressure, and even a boost to creative abilities and cognitive function. Dr. Chloe Evans, one of the doctors involved with the pilot program, stated that among the many health benefits, the program is helpful in that the [further] benefits to patients are that it is free, easily accessible, allows increased connection with surroundings which hopefully leads to improved physical and mental health for individuals. At Venice Green Village, weve long understood the advantageous effects that being surrounded by nature in a serene environment can have on ones self, both body and mind. That is why we are so proud of our lush and expansive courtyard. Stretching over two acres, our courtyard is open so that all of our residents and their families can relax in an open environment, all while remaining safe and secure. We encourage you to stop by and experience the benefits of our very own nature prescription, and see for yourself what even 15 minutes in nature may hold for you. 

Not too long ago some friends' parents were diagnosed with Alzheimer's. And I was recently preparing a presentation on "Montessori Education-Positive Parenting-Adlerian Psychology", so I started thinking that Montessori work could be very useful for the elderly (my daughter attends a Montessori School).  And the more I thought about it, the more sense it made as Montessori work increases fine motor skills, builds self-esteem in the individual with its no-fail methods and emphasis on repetition, fosters concentration and independent work, among others.   Some of the Montessori principles are:  Learning occurs in a cooperative atmosphere marked by social interaction and peer teaching. A primary goal of Montessori education is to foster competent, responsible, adaptive citizens who are lifelong learners and problem solvers. Learning takes place through the senses. Students learn by manipulating material and interacting with others. These meaningful experiences are precursors to the abstract understanding of ideas. The individual is considered as a whole. The physical, emotional, social, aesthetic, spiritual, and cognitive needs and interests are inseparable and equally important.  Respect and caring attitudes for oneself, others, the environment, and all life are necessary.   So I did a search to see whether there were any studies on this, and I came across many articles featuring Karen and Tom Brenner's -  www.creativecarealternatives.com work with persons with dementia and Alzheimer's using genuine Montessori materials and principles, as well as Dr. Cameron Camp's and others' research on Montessori based approach and applications in various nursing homes across the USA with visible, immediate, positive results.  "For an older person who is experiencing memory loss, either from stroke, illness or Alzheimers disease, the use of the Montessori Method can help preserve many skills while also stimulating the mind (...) Persons with dementia may seem to be detached both physically and emotionally from their environment and the people in it. Helping older people reconnect with their environment is an important part of the Montessori approach to activities for older people. Without this sort of reconnection, people with dementia may become frustrated and agitated, even belligerent." (Montessori and Dementia: A New Vision by Tom and Karen Brenner http://tinyurl.com/alooq from Montessori International Magazine, July - September, 2005, p.38-41)  One article says of this approach "So simple, It's genius" - and actually it is the same with Adlerian positive parenting: these approaches are quite similar in that they aim at encouraging the person to feel and be part of society and to become independent and selfconfident as the person's need to belong and to contribute are very important.   "The philosophy of the Montessori method is to create persons who are as independent as possible, able to make choices, while being treated with respect and dignity. It assumes that persons want to be independent, show the abilities they have, and learn new ones; so it offers meaningful activities in environments designed to accommodate their needs. The method works with adults who have mental and physical impairments and builds upon the older adult's remaining abilities.(...) As the aging population and the prevalence of dementia increase, facilities serving older adults need to provide improved quality programming to maintain or enhance the quality of life for these individuals. Montessoribased activity programs can serve to fill this growing need. Such programs not only provide meaningful activities but also enhance recognition and memory, as well as a sense of completion and success for dementia participants." (Janina C. Bognar, MS)  This is how we should all be treated if and when the day comes - with dignity, respect and fun!. How wonderful that a person's spirit can still be encouraged to shine through these diseases.  Montessori principles can indeed help us achieve our potential at the beginning and towards the end of our life journey.  As families find themselves caring for their own parents/grandparents with various forms of dementia, Alzheimer's they may be too stressed to be able to provide a joyful, healthy environment for their own children.  However, a Montessori-based approach to caring for the elderly has been proven to enable much better inter-generational interactions. Definitely a win-win situation.   I sure hope this creative, respectful, common sense approach will be included at The White House Conference on Aging http://www.whcoa.gov that will be held December 11-14, 2005 in Washington, DC.  "The Conference "occurs once a decade to make aging policy recommendations to the President and Congress, and to assist the public and private sectors in promoting dignity, health, independence and economic security of current and future generations of older persons."  I wonder why this Conference on Aging is held just once a decade, considering the average human life span...  I submitted this comment on the US Administration on Aging www.AOA.gov (as a search for 'Montessori' yielded 0 results):   "I was rather disappointed and surprised not to find any information about Montessori based activities and the Elderly, especially Elderly with Dementia on your web site. I was sure I would find something here: Promising Practices - 39 AoA Funded Grant Projects.  I'd like to draw your attention to these conclusions:  Studies have shown that Montessori-based activities, which focus on developing an individual's unique abilities, are effective in increasing engagement between nursing home residents with dementia and their caregivers. (from Montessori Work Helps Elderly with Dementia     3 Aysegl Acar-Dreyer http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/gui/show/NCT00079651), and, "(The Montessori) method focuses on an individual's personal strengths, preferences, and abilities to increase a person's participation in facility activities and/or personal self-care, improving their independence and self-esteem. The programming has increased the residents' participation in activities and gets high marks in staff satisfaction. (from http://www.asaging.org/)"   Here are some very interesting and useful resources on Montessori Approach to Caring for the Elderly with Alzheimer's/Dementia I've compiled from the Internet:  1. Dr. Cameron Camp's publications: http://www.myersresearch.org/manuals.html  - A Different Visit: Activities for Caregivers and their Loved Ones with Memory Impairments  by Adena Joltin, Cameron J. Camp, Beverly H. Noble, Vincent M. Antenucci  - Montessori-Based Activities for Persons with Dementia, Vol. 1 by Cameron Camp Ph.D., Cameron J. Camp Ph.D. (Vol. 2 scheduled for release in November 2005 ) Dr. Camerons radio shows can be heard here: http://www.myersresearch.org/media.html  2. Lost & Found - By Barbara Basler, September 2005 - from http://www.aarp.org Link to article: http://tinyurl.com/8ojxm   3. One can download free exercises (PDF Format) to be used with the elderly, from the AARP web site: http://www.aarp.org/bulletin/longterm/alzheimer.html Treasure Hunt http://tinyurl.com/8s7cz Face Puzzle http://tinyurl.com/a5a4c Food Drive http://tinyurl.com/duac8 The Birth of the Chocolate Chip Cookie http://tinyurl.com/dqmxc Tool Match http://tinyurl.com/bjnqq  4. Unlocking What Remains, Activities for Dementia Care - Observing Montessori-Based Principles in Action at an Alzheimer's Unit - from Nursing Homes Magazine, Feb, 2005 by Linda Zinn Link to article: http://tinyurl.com/7evab   5. Articles and Activity Ideas from www.caregiving.com Caregiving 101 Link to articles: http://tinyurl.com/8fb43 a. Can Art Help Alzheimer's? by Denise M. Brown b. A Montessori Intervention by Tom and Karen Brenner * c. Fitness Training for the Mind by Tom and Karen Brenner Montessori Work Helps Elderly with Dementia     4 Aysegl Acar-Dreyer d. Reading as a Memory Tool by Tom and Karen Brenner e. Spiritual Engagement - Montessori Activities by Tom and Karen Brenner * Karen Brenner, with 30+ years experience as a Montessori teacher, and her husband Tom, a gerontologist, give seminars on the application of genuine Montessori methods for persons with dementia. They may be contacted at Bren04@aol.com www.creativecarealternatives.com   6.  Montessori Philosophy Enhances Quality Of Life For Persons With Dementia Link to article: http://tinyurl.com/atxfj from www.kahsa.org/ Focus, Vol 6, Issue 4, 4th Quarter 2004.  7. Montessori-Based Activities for Dementia: A Walk Down Memory Lane Link to article: http://tinyurl.com/ce2gt from http://www.vcu.edu Vol.18, No. 4, Fall 2003 - by Janina C. Bognar, M.S., a Geriatric Care Manager at JFS in Richmond, Virginia jbognar@jfsrichmond.org  8.  Students Help Alzheimer's Residents Retain Skills and Memories By Kathryn Podolsky Link to article http://tinyurl.com/8s4kd from http://www.cohpa.ucf.edu/  9. "Research to Practice" articles from http://www.k-state.edu/  - Montessori Techniques Piloted in Special Care Units Link to article: http://tinyurl.com/94zqg  - Activities for Residents with Dementia Using Montessori Techniques Link to article: http://tinyurl.com/bmf2n  

A number of conditions not only Alzheimer's disease can cause memory loss in older adults. Getting a prompt diagnosis and appropriate care is important. By Mayo Clinic Staff Everyone forgets things at some time. How often have you misplaced your car keys or forgotten the name of a person you just met? Some degree of memory problems, as well as a modest decline in other thinking skills, is a fairly common part of aging. There's a difference, however, between normal changes in memory and the type of memory loss associated with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. And some memory problems are the result of treatable conditions. If you're experiencing memory problems, talk to your doctor to get a timely diagnosis and appropriate care. Memory loss and aging Normal age-related memory loss doesn't prevent you from living a full and productive life. For example, you may forget a person's name, but recall it later in the day. You might misplace your glasses occasionally. Or maybe you find that you need to make lists more often than in the past in order to remember appointments or tasks. These changes in memory are generally manageable and don't disrupt your ability to work, live independently or maintain a social life. Memory loss and dementia The word "dementia" is an umbrella term used to describe a set of symptoms, including impairment in memory, reasoning, judgment, language and other thinking skills. Dementia begins gradually in most cases, worsens over time and significantly impairs a person's abilities in work, social interactions and relationships. Often, memory loss is one of the first or more-recognizable signs of dementia. Other early signs may include: Asking the same questions repeatedly Forgetting common words when speaking Mixing words up saying "bed" instead of "table," for example Taking longer to complete familiar tasks, such as following a recipe Misplacing items in inappropriate places, such as putting a wallet in a kitchen drawer Getting lost while walking or driving around a familiar neighborhood Undergoing sudden changes in mood or behavior for no apparent reason Becoming less able to follow directions Diseases that cause progressive damage to the brain and consequently result in dementia include: Alzheimer's disease, the most common cause of dementia Vascular dementia (multi-infarct dementia) Frontotemporal dementia Lewy body dementia Each of these conditions has a somewhat different disease process (pathology). Memory impairment isn't always the first sign of disease, and the type of memory problems may vary. Mild cognitive impairment Mild cognitive impairment is a notable change in thinking skills that's limited, for the most part, to a narrow set of problems, such as impairment only in memory. Changes in concentration, attention or mental quickness may also be observed. Mild cognitive impairment generally doesn't prevent a person from carrying out everyday tasks and being socially engaged. Researchers and physicians are still learning much about mild cognitive impairment. For many people, the condition eventually progresses to Alzheimer's disease or another disorder causing dementia. Other people experience little progression in memory loss, and they don't develop the whole spectrum of symptoms associated with dementia. Reversible causes of memory loss Many medical problems can cause memory loss or other dementia-like symptoms. Most of these conditions can be successfully treated, and your doctor can screen you for conditions that cause reversible memory impairment. Possible causes of reversible memory loss include: Medications. A single medication or a certain combination of medications may result in forgetfulness or confusion. Minor head trauma or injury. A head injury from a fall or accident even an injury that doesn't result in a loss of consciousness may cause memory problems. Depression or other mental health disorders. Stress, anxiety or depression can cause forgetfulness, confusion, difficulty concentrating and other problems that disrupt daily activities. Alcoholism. Chronic alcoholism can seriously impair mental abilities. Alcohol can also cause memory loss by interacting with medications. Vitamin B-12 deficiency. Vitamin B-12 helps maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells. A vitamin B-12 deficiency common in older adults can cause memory problems. Hypothyroidism. An underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) slows the processing of nutrients to create energy for cells (metabolism). Hypothyroidism can result in forgetfulness and other thinking problems. Tumors. A tumor in the brain may cause memory problems or other dementia-like symptoms. When to see your doctor If you're concerned about memory loss, see your doctor. He or she can conduct tests to judge the degree of memory impairment and diagnose the cause. Your doctor is likely to have a number of questions for you, and you will benefit by having a family member or friend along to answer some questions based on his or her observations. Questions may include: How long have you been experiencing memory problems? What medications including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs and dietary supplements do you take regularly? What is the dosage of each? Have you recently started taking a new drug? What tasks do you find too difficult to perform or finish? What have you done to cope with memory problems? Have these things helped you? Do you drink alcohol? How much do you drink daily? Have you recently been in an accident, fallen or injured your head? Have you recently been sick? Have you recently felt sad, depressed or anxious? Have you recently experienced a major loss, change or stressful event in your life? What is your daily routine? How has your routine changed recently? In addition to a general physical exam, your doctor will likely conduct relatively brief question-and-answer tests to judge your memory and other thinking skills. He or she may also order blood tests and brain-imaging tests that can help identify reversible causes of memory problems and dementia-like symptoms. You may also be referred to a specialist in diagnosing dementia or memory disorders, such as a neurologist, psychiatrist, psychologist or geriatrician. The importance of a diagnosis Coming to terms with memory loss and the possible onset of dementia can be difficult. A person may try to hide memory problems, and family members or friends may compensate for a person's loss of memory sometimes without being aware of how much they've adapted to the impairment. Getting a prompt diagnosis is important, even if it's a challenging step. Identifying a reversible cause of memory impairment enables you to get appropriate treatment. Also, an early diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder is beneficial for a number of reasons: Beginning treatments to manage symptoms Educating yourself, family and friends about the disease Determining future care preferences Identifying care facilities or at-home care options Settling financial or legal matters Your doctor can help you identify appropriate community resources and organizations, such as the Alzheimer's Association, to help you cope with memory loss and other dementia symptoms.