Alzheimer's Discovery
Those with a recent diagnosis of Alzheimer’s struggle to find messages of hope. Common practice is to focus more on the deficits than the brain skills that are preserved. Too little attention is given on the life still left to live and ways to extend its quality.
Our cognitive neuroscience research shows that a strengths-based approach enriches the lives of families adjusting to a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s.
A Proactive Approach
Hundreds of families have participated in Alzheimer’s Discovery™ over the last 20 years. Our approach is unique because we …
Target families soon after a diagnosis
Focus on potential rather than loss
Communicate strategies that enhance quality of life
Care for both the diagnosed and the care partner
Discuss challenges in terms of brain health
Assistant director of strengths-based programs Audette Rackley introduces a video series with insights from participants about ways in which the program has transformed their lives.
Effects of Cognitive-Communication Stimulation for Alzheimer's Disease Patients Treated with Donepezil
This study outlines the benefits of cognitive training when administered with drug treatments for individuals with mild to moderate Alzheimer's.
Enhancing Latent Cognitive Capacity in Mild Cognitive Impairment with Gist Reasoning Training: A Pilot Study
Training programs that target top-down cognitive functions such as gist reasoning may have a broad impact on improving cognition in MCI.
Discourse Changes in Early Alzheimer Disease, Mild Cognitive Impairment, and Normal Aging
This study establishes discourse gist measures as a protocol for early detection of Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment.
A Noradrenergic Theory of Cognitive Reserve: Implications for Alzheimer’s Disease
This review supports the theory that noradrenaline is a protective factor against Alzheimer's disease.
Developing Evidence-Based Practice Guidelines for Speech-Language Pathologists Serving Individuals with Alzheimer’s Dementia
This article outlines the role of a committee dedicated to developing guidelines for speech-language pathologists serving individuals with dementia.