New South San Francisco research demonstrates creative writing combats dementia

Sep 5, 2023

Research undertaken by Elder Manage Care (630-638-1489 or https://www.eldermanagecare.com) – involving people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, their families and caregivers – demonstrates that taking part in creative writing can help sharpen the mind, improve cognitive function, and ultimately enrich the lives of those involved.

New pioneering research from Elder Manage Care shows that crafting stories and poetry can boost cognitive abilities for seniors suffering from Alzheimer's or dementia. By collaborating with elderly patients, their family members, and carers, the study uncovered new ways to keep minds sharp.

Combining at-home care and creative writing can help to preserve memory, slow down cognitive decline and improve quality of life. For more information visit https://www.eldermanagecare.com

The team's study demonstrates that even for individuals with mild forms of dementia and Alzheimer's, creative writing can help bolster and maintain their recall of the past and significantly improve quality of life.

In-home care for the elderly mostly focuses on helping them stay in familiar surroundings. It rarely provides effective assistance for managing conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer's.

Elder Manage Care is driving forward the transformation of in-home care services. This innovative initiative provides more than just basic home care, equipping families with the tools needed to combat and slow down devastating illnesses like Dementia and Alzheimer's - through creative writing.

The new research initiative utilizes the power of creative writing to keep dementia and Alzheimer's sufferer's brains stimulated and in doing so, slows down cognitive decline.

The research investigated 10 individuals aged 45-96 with Alzheimer, Dementia, Bi-Polar and other conditions for a 4-6 week duration to assess the effects of creative writing in enhancing psychological well-being.

By closely monitoring the cognitive effects of a home-based creative writing program, the team demonstrated a positive relationship between crafting stories and better brain health in senior citizens.

Family carers provided insightful responses to the survey, including...:

"I noticed immediate improvements in overall happiness."

"XXXX’s improvement in quality of life was clearly evident, she felt engaged and the collaboration kept her clear, sharp, happy and supported."

"XXXX’s depression has lifted for now and she seems to have a purpose in life again. The power of activating the mind is undeniable."

"XXXX served the community for many years. She is much less depressed, the study has brought her managerial instinct out and she now participates in every activity at home."

"I myself have noticed a woman with purpose and something to do every day where before she could not get out of bed due to depression."

"XXXX’s life took an immediate turn for the better. I can see she really flourishes with engagement."

Elder Manage Cares utilizes its groundbreaking in-home and memory care program to exploit the power of literature on behalf of elderly persons struggling with ailments like vascular dementia, Alzheimer's disease, or mild cognitive impairment.

The new study demonstrates that stimulating the mind with imaginative writing can help keep senior citizens' brains sharp and slow down mental deterioration.

Dementia encompasses a variety of conditions that cause progressive and debilitating mental decline, including issues with remembering, reasoning, and problem-solving. The most commonly seen type is Alzheimer's Disease.

Carers and seniors should be on the lookout for any tell-tale symptoms of dementia such as a decrease in short-term memory, difficulty with cognitive functioning, and confusion. Though there is no remedy for dementia and Alzheimer's, taking part in mentally engaging tasks like crafting stories slows down cognitive decline and improves quality of life.

As the prevalence of Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia continues to rise, Elder Manage Care emphasizes the critical need for fresh approaches to care. This is important. 78 million elderly citizens in the US may be afflicted with Alzheimer's or dementia by 2030.

Elder Manage Care's innovative approach of combining typical home care with tailored memory care programs is an example of fresh thinking. A comprehensive strategy to take care of both the body and mind will enable elders to stay self-sufficient and enjoy life for a longer period of time.

Clients experienced a heightened connection with their loved ones and carers, as well as an overall improvement in happiness levels. Family and carers also noted that creative writing:

  • Provides an immense mental boost. Activities tailored to those with dementia give them a reason to feel fulfilled and successful.
  • Can act as a strong spark for unlocking buried feelings, emotions, events and treasured moments from the past.
  • Offers a way for individuals to express themselves when dementia hinders verbal communications
  • Helps prevent burnout in dementia carers by minimizing difficult behaviors and outbursts


About Elder Manage Care

Elder Manage Care offers home-based and memory care programs to the San Francisco Bay area and Chicago residents. The organization emphasizes safeguarding the psychological health of elderly individuals, particularly those experiencing dementia as well as enabling them to age in place.

The agency provides specialized home care services, such as Creative Writing Memory Care and in-home assistance, to promote emotional well-being for its clients, their families, and caregivers.

Emily Chase, CEO comments “ Writing creatively allows us to express ourselves, no matter the situation. Through this, we're able to give a voice to the voiceless and provide clarity in otherwise chaotic lives.”

To make an appointment please visit https://www.eldermanagecare.com

Web Analytics