2025 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures
Cognitive/Dementia
Understanding Digital Literacy of Persons With Dementia and Their Caregivers: A Scoping Review and an Evolutionary Concept Analysis of Empirical Studies
This study constitutes both a scoping review and a concept analysis, as it systematically examines digital literacy across settings (home, assisted living facilities, and other long-term care facilities) in the context of persons with dementia and their caregivers. We performed a scoping review of 22 empirical studies to examine how the literature has defined digital […]
Understanding Digital Literacy of Persons With Dementia and Their Caregivers: A Scoping Review and an Evolutionary Concept Analysis of Empirical Studies
This study constitutes both a scoping review and a concept analysis, as it systematically examines digital literacy across settings (home, assisted living facilities, and other long-term care facilities) in the context of persons with dementia and their caregivers. We performed a scoping review of 22 empirical studies to examine how the literature has defined digital […]
Empowering Family Care Partners to Optimize Delirium Care for Persons Living with Dementia
Purpose: To explore family care partners’ (FCPs) common support needs, preferences, and caregiving priorities for persons with delirium superimposed on dementia (DSD) to inform intervention development. Method: A descriptive qualitative study was performed, using semi-structured interviews with 12 FCPs from an assisted living community and integrated memory care clinic. Results: Findings reveal the importance of […]
Empowering Family Care Partners to Optimize Delirium Care for Persons Living with Dementia
Purpose: To explore family care partners’ (FCPs) common support needs, preferences, and caregiving priorities for persons with delirium superimposed on dementia (DSD) to inform intervention development. Method: A descriptive qualitative study was performed, using semi-structured interviews with 12 FCPs from an assisted living community and integrated memory care clinic. Results: Findings reveal the importance of […]
Artificial Intelligence in Assisted Living and Memory Care: Enhancing Care or Increasing Exposure?
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in Assisted Living (AL) and Memory Care (MC) settings has accelerated in response to workforce challenges, care complexity, and increasing scrutiny from regulators and, in some cases, litigators. While AI systems offer significant benefits in resident monitoring, predictive analytics, and documentation, they also introduce new avenues for liability. This […]
Artificial Intelligence in Assisted Living and Memory Care: Enhancing Care or Increasing Exposure?
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in Assisted Living (AL) and Memory Care (MC) settings has accelerated in response to workforce challenges, care complexity, and increasing scrutiny from regulators and, in some cases, litigators. While AI systems offer significant benefits in resident monitoring, predictive analytics, and documentation, they also introduce new avenues for liability. This […]
Differing Realities Among Assisted Living Residents With Dementia: Understanding Care Partner Responses
Background and Objectives: Persons living with dementia can experience confusion in terms of orientation to time, place, and scenario. The ways care partners respond are apt to shape quality of life and care experiences. With a focus on assisted living (AL) residents with dementia, we seek to: (1) examine differing realities and care partner responses […]
Differing Realities Among Assisted Living Residents With Dementia: Understanding Care Partner Responses
Background and Objectives: Persons living with dementia can experience confusion in terms of orientation to time, place, and scenario. The ways care partners respond are apt to shape quality of life and care experiences. With a focus on assisted living (AL) residents with dementia, we seek to: (1) examine differing realities and care partner responses […]
Two New Positive Psychosocial Measures for Persons Living with Dementia
Introduction: Differences in adaptive strategies used by individuals and families living with dementia have the potential to impact day-to-day well-being. The Living Well Inventory for Dementia (LWI-D) is a new measure to capture these strategies and to illuminate new options to support families living with dementia. The Quality of Day Scale (QODS) is a new […]
Two New Positive Psychosocial Measures for Persons Living with Dementia
Introduction: Differences in adaptive strategies used by individuals and families living with dementia have the potential to impact day-to-day well-being. The Living Well Inventory for Dementia (LWI-D) is a new measure to capture these strategies and to illuminate new options to support families living with dementia. The Quality of Day Scale (QODS) is a new […]
Considerations for Use of the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia Among Assisted Living Residents: Factor Analysis Results
The Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CSDD) is widely used to assess depressive symptoms, but its factor structure has not been well explored in assisted living (AL) residents. An appropriate measure of depressive symptoms for this population is crucial to ensure accurate detection of depression. This study tested the CSDDs factor structure in 511 […]
Considerations for Use of the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia Among Assisted Living Residents: Factor Analysis Results
The Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CSDD) is widely used to assess depressive symptoms, but its factor structure has not been well explored in assisted living (AL) residents. An appropriate measure of depressive symptoms for this population is crucial to ensure accurate detection of depression. This study tested the CSDDs factor structure in 511 […]
What Happens Behind Closed Doors? Investigating Care Practices in Nursing Home and Assisted Living Memory Care Units
In the United States, long-term care providers, such as nursing homes and assisted living communities, are meeting consumer demand through housing and care options designed to support the growing population of people living with dementia. One approach to providing dementia care is the development of “memory care units” within existing nursing homes and assisted living […]
What Happens Behind Closed Doors? Investigating Care Practices in Nursing Home and Assisted Living Memory Care Units
In the United States, long-term care providers, such as nursing homes and assisted living communities, are meeting consumer demand through housing and care options designed to support the growing population of people living with dementia. One approach to providing dementia care is the development of “memory care units” within existing nursing homes and assisted living […]
The Impact of Enhanced Group Activity Kits (EGAKs) on Well-being of Persons with Dementia
Objectives: People living with dementia (PLwD) often feel lonely and bored. This study examined the impact of group activities on the well-being of this population when these activities were facilitated by enhanced group activity kits (EGAKs) and compared the impact of this intervention with (1) group activities not facilitated by EGAKs and (2) the absence […]
The Impact of Enhanced Group Activity Kits (EGAKs) on Well-being of Persons with Dementia
Objectives: People living with dementia (PLwD) often feel lonely and bored. This study examined the impact of group activities on the well-being of this population when these activities were facilitated by enhanced group activity kits (EGAKs) and compared the impact of this intervention with (1) group activities not facilitated by EGAKs and (2) the absence […]
Understanding Urinary Incontinence and Urinary Tract Infections as Key Contributors to Falls in Assisted Living and Memory Care Communities
No abstract available.
Assisted Living, Residential Care, and Memory Care Staffing Level Dynamics: Oregon, 2017-2023
Objectives: To examine changes in staffing levels over time in Oregon assisted living and residential care (AL/RC) communities between 2017 and 2023. Design: Longitudinal study of licensed AL/RC communities. Setting and Participants: A total of 1720 setting-year observations from 535 individual AL/RC communities in Oregon between 2017 and 2023. Methods: Primary data were collected through […]
Assisted Living, Residential Care, and Memory Care Staffing Level Dynamics: Oregon, 2017-2023
Objectives: To examine changes in staffing levels over time in Oregon assisted living and residential care (AL/RC) communities between 2017 and 2023. Design: Longitudinal study of licensed AL/RC communities. Setting and Participants: A total of 1720 setting-year observations from 535 individual AL/RC communities in Oregon between 2017 and 2023. Methods: Primary data were collected through […]
The Meaningful Engagement Assessment for Residents with Dementia in Assisted Living Settings
Providing meaningful activity is a critical dimension of person-centered care for residents with dementia in all settings, including assisted living. Defined broadly as participation in physical, social, and leisure activities that provide meaning and value to the person and are tailored to individualized interests and preferences, meaningful activity has implications for well-being, mental health, cognition, […]
The Meaningful Engagement Assessment for Residents with Dementia in Assisted Living Settings
Providing meaningful activity is a critical dimension of person-centered care for residents with dementia in all settings, including assisted living. Defined broadly as participation in physical, social, and leisure activities that provide meaning and value to the person and are tailored to individualized interests and preferences, meaningful activity has implications for well-being, mental health, cognition, […]
Examining Engagement Calendar Deviations in Assisted Living: A Focus on Residents With Dementia
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study used data from 3 AL communities over one year to examine deviations from scheduled activity programming, identify influential factors, and understand the outcomes on residents. The analysis showed general adherence to calendars, but deviations did occur. Staffing, capacity, programming guidance and support, staff attitudes, and unforeseen circumstances all influenced these deviations. Cancellations of programming were more detrimental to resident well-being than substitutions.
Examining Engagement Calendar Deviations in Assisted Living: A Focus on Residents With Dementia
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study used data from 3 AL communities over one year to examine deviations from scheduled activity programming, identify influential factors, and understand the outcomes on residents. The analysis showed general adherence to calendars, but deviations did occur. Staffing, capacity, programming guidance and support, staff attitudes, and unforeseen circumstances all influenced these deviations. Cancellations of programming were more detrimental to resident well-being than substitutions.
The Efficacy of a Mobile-Based Multidomain Program on Cognitive Functioning of Residents in Assisted Living Facilities
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study of 20 AL residents who scored in the range of mild cognitive impairment on the MoCA was designed to test the efficacy of a mobile-based program on cognitive functioning (the Silvia program). The intervention group received the mobile program's lifestyle intervention for 50-60 mins, twice weekly, for 12 weeks. The intervention group showed significant improvement in MoCA scores (23.6 vs. 24.3) while the control group declined (22.0 vs. 21.7).
The Efficacy of a Mobile-Based Multidomain Program on Cognitive Functioning of Residents in Assisted Living Facilities
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study of 20 AL residents who scored in the range of mild cognitive impairment on the MoCA was designed to test the efficacy of a mobile-based program on cognitive functioning (the Silvia program). The intervention group received the mobile program’s lifestyle intervention for 50-60 mins, twice weekly, for 12 weeks. The intervention group showed significant improvement in MoCA scores (23.6 vs. 24.3) while the control group declined (22.0 vs. 21.7).
Staffing Patterns in Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Communities, and Memory Care Units: Variation Across Shifts
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study used observational data from 678 nursing staff at NHs and 432 nursing staff at AL communities in Ohio to assess their direct care nursing staffing patterns. Both NHs and AL communities had better daytime staffing ratios than overnights, although NH staffing ratios were superior to those in AL communities. In AL and NH memory care units, staffing patterns were similar. As acuity increases in AL communities, more nursing staff will likely be required, especially on overnight shifts.
Staffing Patterns in Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Communities, and Memory Care Units: Variation Across Shifts
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study used observational data from 678 nursing staff at NHs and 432 nursing staff at AL communities in Ohio to assess their direct care nursing staffing patterns. Both NHs and AL communities had better daytime staffing ratios than overnights, although NH staffing ratios were superior to those in AL communities. In AL and NH memory care units, staffing patterns were similar. As acuity increases in AL communities, more nursing staff will likely be required, especially on overnight shifts.
The Relationship between Perceived Engagement in Meaningful Activity and Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia among Assisted Living Residents
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study of 71 residents with dementia in 5 AL communities assessed the relationship between engagement in meaningful activities and symptoms of dementia. Perceived engagement in meaningful activities was significantly associated with decreased agitation, but not apathy, depression, or irritability.
The Relationship between Perceived Engagement in Meaningful Activity and Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia among Assisted Living Residents
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study of 71 residents with dementia in 5 AL communities assessed the relationship between engagement in meaningful activities and symptoms of dementia. Perceived engagement in meaningful activities was significantly associated with decreased agitation, but not apathy, depression, or irritability.
Clinical and Sociodemographic Characteristics of New Residents of Assisted Living: A Nested Case-Control Study
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This nested case-control study in Ontario examined differences between community-dwelling and new AL residents to understand transitions to AL communitiess. New residents had higher rates of diagnosed dementia, mood disorders, cardiac arrhythmias, mild cognitive impairment, and falls than community-dwelling peers. New AL residents also had lower odds of having a spousal caregiver than a child caregiver. However, these residents also had higher rates of participation in activities of interest in the last seven days.
Clinical and Sociodemographic Characteristics of New Residents of Assisted Living: A Nested Case-Control Study
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This nested case-control study in Ontario examined differences between community-dwelling and new AL residents to understand transitions to AL communitiess. New residents had higher rates of diagnosed dementia, mood disorders, cardiac arrhythmias, mild cognitive impairment, and falls than community-dwelling peers. New AL residents also had lower odds of having a spousal caregiver than a child caregiver. However, these residents also had higher rates of participation in activities of interest in the last seven days.
Health of the Pandemic: Dementia Paid Staff and Unpaid Caregiver Workforce in Congregate Care and Community Settings
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study used questionnaires to capture the experiences of 182 paid staff and 148 unpaid caregivers of people living with dementia living in the community and long-term care settings across the US during theCOVID-19 pandemic. Paid staff were more likely to have been exposed, tested, hospitalized, or been ill with COVID-19 and had more medical and mental health services impacts than unpaid caregivers. Unpaid caregivers showed higher rates of depressive symptom severity and scored lower for hope than paid staff, showing disparate negative impacts from COVID-related stressors.
Health of the Pandemic: Dementia Paid Staff and Unpaid Caregiver Workforce in Congregate Care and Community Settings
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study used questionnaires to capture the experiences of 182 paid staff and 148 unpaid caregivers of people living with dementia living in the community and long-term care settings across the US during theCOVID-19 pandemic. Paid staff were more likely to have been exposed, tested, hospitalized, or been ill with COVID-19 and had more medical and mental health services impacts than unpaid caregivers. Unpaid caregivers showed higher rates of depressive symptom severity and scored lower for hope than paid staff, showing disparate negative impacts from COVID-related stressors.
Differences in Medication Use by Gender and Race in Hospitalized Persons Living with Dementia
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study examined how demographic differences in 352 older adults living at home, in assisted living, and in nursing homes were associated with differing use of medications. Most medication use was significantly higher for white, compared to Black, older adults, except for antihypertensives. Females received more anxiolytics than males, and differences in medication use existed by at-home and residential setting. These treatment differences were notable even when adjusting for age, cognitive status, hospital, delirium, and comorbidities, showing disparities in treatment regimens by race and gender that may need to be addressed.
Differences in Medication Use by Gender and Race in Hospitalized Persons Living with Dementia
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study examined how demographic differences in 352 older adults living at home, in assisted living, and in nursing homes were associated with differing use of medications. Most medication use was significantly higher for white, compared to Black, older adults, except for antihypertensives. Females received more anxiolytics than males, and differences in medication use existed by at-home and residential setting. These treatment differences were notable even when adjusting for age, cognitive status, hospital, delirium, and comorbidities, showing disparities in treatment regimens by race and gender that may need to be addressed.
Aging in Isolation: Sexual Orientation Differences in Navigating Cognitive Decline
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This cross-sectional study examined data from 2015-19 to investigate subjective cognitive decline differences among individuals with different sexual orientations. Sexual minorities (e.g., lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer individuals) were more likely to experience cognitive decline, and sexual minority women were less likely to receive social support than non-sexual minority individuals. Therefore, specific strategies to increase support and services to prevent cognitive decline in sexual minority populations are recommended.
Aging in Isolation: Sexual Orientation Differences in Navigating Cognitive Decline
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This cross-sectional study examined data from 2015-19 to investigate subjective cognitive decline differences among individuals with different sexual orientations. Sexual minorities (e.g., lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer individuals) were more likely to experience cognitive decline, and sexual minority women were less likely to receive social support than non-sexual minority individuals. Therefore, specific strategies to increase support and services to prevent cognitive decline in sexual minority populations are recommended.
Associations between Specialized Dementia Care, COVID-19 and Central Nervous System Medication Use in Assisted Living: A Population-Based Repeated Cross-Sectional Study
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This cross-sectional study examined the associations between AL setting (general or memory care), COVID-19 waves, and drug use among residents with dementia in Alberta between 2018-2021. In waves 2-4, antipsychotic drug use increased in all AL communities, but in waves 3 and 4, this was more pronounced in dementia care units. Other drug type uses were similar, although gabapentinoid usage increased for dementia care residents only.
Associations between Specialized Dementia Care, COVID-19 and Central Nervous System Medication Use in Assisted Living: A Population-Based Repeated Cross-Sectional Study
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This cross-sectional study examined the associations between AL setting (general or memory care), COVID-19 waves, and drug use among residents with dementia in Alberta between 2018-2021. In waves 2-4, antipsychotic drug use increased in all AL communities, but in waves 3 and 4, this was more pronounced in dementia care units. Other drug type uses were similar, although gabapentinoid usage increased for dementia care residents only.
Adaptive Biking for Assisted Living Memory Care Residents and Staff: A Feasibility Study
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study paired 8 memory care residents and 7 staff members from an AL community to test a biking program as an intervention to improve health and well-being. The pairs completed eight 20-30 minute bike rides over 4 weeks. The rides gave residents and staff a chance to discuss issues around health and well-being. Qualitative results indicate further piloting of the program could be warranted given its acceptability and feasibility.
Adaptive Biking for Assisted Living Memory Care Residents and Staff: A Feasibility Study
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study paired 8 memory care residents and 7 staff members from an AL community to test a biking program as an intervention to improve health and well-being. The pairs completed eight 20-30 minute bike rides over 4 weeks. The rides gave residents and staff a chance to discuss issues around health and well-being. Qualitative results indicate further piloting of the program could be warranted given its acceptability and feasibility.
Treatments for Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Alzheimer’s Association Special Report: Mapping a Better Future for Dementia Care Navigation
