An App to Help Those with Dementia Reinforce Memories

An interesting study from the University of Toronto, and reported by The Medical News Today, introduces a smartphone app for people with memory impairments that may help reinforce their memories of life events. Researchers explain the HippoCamera app imitates the function of the hippocampus by consolidating a person’s memories. The hippocampus is believed to repeatedly replay memories to the rest of the brain at a high speed to help stabilize them for long-term recall.
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Researchers explain the app works by recording everyday events in the person’s life and repeatedly playing them back to the person. They say the broader point of helping those with Alzheimer’s or other dementia diseases remember the events the HippoCamera recorded may be that remembering those things might result in a renewed ability to recall and share experiences. The lead study author, Dr. Chris Martin, says, “If you can better recall a specific moment from your recent past, you will have a stronger mental bridge between your present and past self.”

The study found people who used the app for two weeks experienced a 56% increase in their ability to recall the details of events recorded with the HippoCamera. People who used it for 70 consecutive days saw an 84% increase. Prof. Morgan D. Barense, senior investigator of the study and a cognitive neuropsychologist, says people also reported back the emotions they felt at the time and the people who were there. She adds their findings could encourage people to get into the habit of focusing on their memories and realizing there are simple things we can do to preserve them.

MorningStar at North Ridge offers trusted Alzheimer’s care in Albuquerque, NM. Every aspect of our care addresses the needs of our residents starting with the very design of our community to a wide range of wellness programs, activities and healthy, delicious meals. Our techniques include a variety of multi-sensory cues designed to calm and awaken memories as well as to support the person’s capabilities and affirm their dignity and value. Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

MorningStar at North Ridge represents the very best in Alzheimer’s care with a distinct mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest”. With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving, compassionate care within a home-like setting. Please contact us or visit our website to learn more about our exceptional community.

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-a-smartphone-app-may-help-boost-memory-recall#Why-strong-memories-are-important

Meet the Area’s Newest Senior Living Community

Do you worry about your parent’s ability to live independently and are concerned a change in their health could necessitate a move to assisted living sometime in the near future? If so, now is the time to start making plans and what could be better than looking at a brand new community that already has a reputation for excellence. 

While new to the area, MorningStar of San Jose is part of MorningStar Senior Living, a company with several dozen retirement communities across the Western US. Founder/CEO, Ken Jaeger, began the company on a basic, but profound truth: to honor God in all aspects of our business practices and relationships, which transcends to a superior quality of life for MorningStar’s residents. Our basic principles include recognizing the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon these truths daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. 

MorningStar of San Jose’s 69 assisted living suites provide a supportive environment in which residents can maintain their independence and get back to living life to the fullest. Senior care includes help with the ADLs (activities of daily living), 24/7 care managers, access to licensed nurses, medication management and other third-party service providers.  

For seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, our distinct Reflections Neighborhood offers 34 memory care suites. Our holistic approach includes Montessori-based therapies, which leverage the power of music, dance, and arts and crafts to connect with and nurture the individual. 

MorningStar of San Jose’s unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our prime location in San Jose puts us close to Saratoga, Los Gatos and Cupertino; and we are a short drive to the ocean, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and nearby vineyards. Contact us to learn more about availability at the finest assisted living and memory care San Jose offers and ask about exclusive savings for early depositors with our Move-in Specials. We open to residents in the spring of 2023

Independent Living at MorningStar Senior Living at Silver Lake

While there may be a number of senior communities in the Everette, WA area, we would like to introduce you to one of the best.  MorningStar at Silver Lake offers stylish suites for independent senior living for those who love the idea of carefree retirement years and plenty of time for life’s adventures.  

Situated in the Puget Sound region surrounded by water, forests, and mountains, MorningStar at Silver Lake is 25 miles north of Seattle, minutes from the world-renowned Providence Regional Medical Center, and close to shopping, banks, and restaurants. Local attractions include picturesque Silver Lake, Everett Naval Station at Puget Sound, Boeing Future of Flight Aviation Center and Jetty Island. 

For the most active seniors, our spacious suites range from studio, one bedroom and two-bedroom floorplans. Features include kitchens with microwaves, in-suite washers/dryers (in most apartments), window blinds, walk-in closets (in most), and available garage space. For peace of mind, bathrooms are handicap-accessible, and suites are equipped with a 24-hour emergency call system.  

Other services and amenities we provide to our residents include a bistro, fitness center, theatre/chapel, beautifully prepared meals served restaurant-style, enrichment activities, and more. Residents also enjoy raised garden beds, strolling paths, computer lounge, billiards & game room and scheduled transportation. To make sure you have the time to do what you want to do, we provide weekly housekeeping.  

Unlike many other senior communities in the area, MorningStar at Silver Lake also provides assisted living so if your needs change, we are here to help.  While you will find our website showcases pictures of our community, it doesn’t show the loving atmosphere that permeates throughout our home.   We attribute this to our exceptional care team that feels honored to serve seniors and has helped to make our community one of the finest for independent and assisted living Everett has to offer.

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest independent and assisted living Everett, WA offers.