Senior Assisted Living Blog

Startling news out this week on the possibility of Alzheimer's disease having a link to environmental risk factors and characteristics of being "contagious" certainly caused a media firestorm. While many news outlets pounced on the research and went so far as to pose the thought of pausing before hugging or kissing a loved one with dementia, we want to take a moment and reflect cautiously on such advice.

First, the facts: Alzheimer's has not been proven in any way to be transmissible, and the research at hand fails to clearly link the conditions of memory loss to anything resembling an infectious disease. At best the studies continue to put weight on factors such as smoking, diet and physical health. These elements are not just the makings of a healthy memory, but a healthy overall body and mind.

The problem with the research at hand, and media reaction that ensued, lies in its potential impact on the growing levels of recognition and acceptance surrounding memory loss challenges facing more and more Americans. The simple notion that showing love and affection to families and friends afflicted with Alzheimer's may pose risk directly contradicts an emerging trend of support and hands-on care for those most in need of support. 

Provision Livings Forget-Me-Not care model focuses personal attention, a daily activity plan and other direct, caring efforts designed to enhance the life of those in our care who suffer from these terrible diseases of memory loss. While we encourage such proactive support, we find the early research on prospective contagious links to Alzheimer's potentially damaging to the progress that's been made in putting a face of acceptance and engagement on the situation many families have faced in private isolation for so long.

This blog takes time each month to explore the news and developments surrounding Alzheimer's and we will continue this effort, with an objective view of the findings reported, but the hint of witholding hugs and personal care for those suffering from dementia is one we vigorously reject. In doing so we echo the advice of lead researcher, Dr. Claudio Soto, Professor of Neurology at the University of Texas School Medical School at Houston.

"As for withholding that hug from a beloved Alzheimer's patient, Dr. Soto said there's no need for such dramatic precautions," said Soto.

It may make more sense to support conferences such as this one reported by the OCRegister.com, which expores Alzheimer's fears, and seeks to help those dealing with the disease. 

(Image Courtesy of Nicoleta Gabriela on Flickr)