"Cafe offers more than a good time..."

This article written by Dr. Mary Larenas of Coastside Adult Day Health Center and the University of California, San Francisco, Memory and Aging Center outlines the research she completed in determining the effects that restricted life spaces can have on people with dementia. She found that while social isolation does not necessarily cause any form of dementia, there is a definite correlation between isolation and the rate of decline when someone is afflicted with the disease. On the reverse side of that, being socially active does not prevent the disease but it can potentially help to delay the onset of symptoms, and it can certainly make the symptoms more manageable for the person suffering.

One of the biggest benefits of having a loved one attend any of the three locations of Bright Horizons is that members are able to socialize and interact with others. They are able to participate in word games, puzzles, exercise,  and more. All of these social activities keep the mind stimulated and engaged and can result in members being more communicative and happy. In addition, the Alzheimer’s Café provides a social environment where families in the beginning stages of the Alzheimer’s diagnoses are able to discuss the journey ahead and support one another.

Bright Horizons looks for articles like this to pass on to our families. It is not our desire to endorse or promote products or any specific research but rather to provide information for you to consider and to ask your doctor about.