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Providing Help and Hope for Patients with Mild Dementia
Thousand Oaks, CA, April 8, 2008 — Until very recently, the medical community thought that the brain did little to regenerate and that diminished cognitive function could never be recaptured. However, brain studies have revealed that much can be done to restore function and prevent further cognitive loss in patients who are in the early stages of memory loss.
“This is a very exciting time to be working in brain research and dementia treatment,” says Dr. Lorne S. Label, Board-Certified Neurologist and Director of The Center for Longevity of the Brain in Thousand Oaks, California. “Science has unlocked some important mysteries of the brain, and while there are still unanswered questions, we have a much better understanding of the brain’s resilience and its capability to renew cells.”
Utilizing the latest evidence-based medical findings, The Center for Longevity of the Brain offers an ongoing program for patients with dementia due to mild-to-moderate memory impairment as a result of aging. The program is designed to empower participants to take charge of their health and well-being, thereby improving the quality of life and enhancing functional independence.
A fully comprehensive program, it begins with a patient assessment, including a medical exam, medication management and a psychological exam.
Using all of the patient’s data, a proactive rehabilitation plan-of-action is then designed to fit the patient’s current needs. This customized program includes exercise, music therapy, social interaction, a diet rich in healthy brain foods, dietary supplements and a variety of intensive brain games and activities. Designed to be both challenging and enjoyable, these games and activities target specific areas of the brain affected by the dementia.
The brain training games provide a systematic mental workout, focusing on the parts of the brain that are responsible for short-term memory, language, attention span, mental processing speed, problem-solving ability and visual-spatial relationships.
“While our program is designed to be progressively challenging, it is also interesting, innovative and fun,” says Dr. Label. “Rather than a ‘cookie cutter’ approach, we tailor activities to each patient’s particular needs – so there will be the optimum outcome.”
Using a multi-disciplinary approach, The Center for Longevity of the Brain bridges the gap between traditional and integrative medicine, incorporating safe, effective holistic treatments when appropriate. For example, Eastern medical care might include herbal medicines, meditation and acupuncture.
As part of the program, patients are also assigned “homework” between visits. Activities such as crossword puzzles, exercise, listening to classical music, learning a new skill, increased interpersonal interactions and brain games all help to reinforce the program’s overall effectiveness.
For the patient’s convenience, all treatment is offered in one location, and related services are closely coordinated. The Center for Longevity of the Brain staff is comprised of highly qualified health care professionals, trained to provide the very best medical care to dementia patients.
“We treat the whole person,” says Dr. Label. “This means addressing any signs of depression in the patient. From experience, we know that a patient’s attitude and outlook is directly related to their success.”
Caregiver education and family-related concerns are also an important part of the program at The Center for Longevity of the Brain. When memory loss occurs, the caregivers are often dealing with many conflicting emotions and they are unsure about how to help.
“Memory loss is a very stressful time for both the patient and the caregivers,” Dr. Label says. “We can assist them by providing a clear medical action plan as well as directing them to the many support resources that are available in their local community.”
“There is no magic solution to memory impairment,” says Dr. Label. “But we do know that if intervention takes place at the earliest stages of dementia, there is an excellent chance of restoring and improving cognitive function. Our goal is to help our patients maintain a healthy brain and enjoy life to the fullest.”
The Center for Longevity of the Brain is located at 2100 Lynn Road, Suite 230, Thousand Oaks CA 91360. For more information, call 805-497-7274 or toll free at 888-3BRAIN3 or visit us online at www.brainlc.com