Supporting Brain Health: Small Steps, Meaningful Impact

Alzheimer’s and dementia affect millions of people, many of whom reside in long-term care settings. While these conditions were once addressed only after diagnosis, today’s approachincludes early detection and daily habits that support brain health.

There are many simple ways to promote cognitive well-being among residents, and educationplays a critical role, especially for caregivers and family members who may be the first tonotice changes.

The Alzheimer’s Association outlines ten key habits that support brain health. Below are a fewthat can be easily incorporated into everyday routines in long-term care facilities.

• Keep the Mind Active: Puzzles, word games, and memory activities placed in commonareas help residents stay sharp—and offer a chance to socialize.
• Encourage Movement: Physical activity supports both body and brain. Group classes,such as chair yoga or Zumba Gold, are a fun and effective way to get moving.
• Focus on Fall Prevention: Head injuries are a serious concern. Partner with yourconsultant pharmacist to review medications that may cause dizziness or drowsiness,especially those flagged by the Beers Criteria.
• Manage Blood Pressure: Stable blood pressure is essential for brain health. Usemedication, dietary guidance, and physical activity to help residents stay within ahealthy range, and involve families in the conversation.
• Address Diabetes: Diabetes management goes hand in hand with heart and brainhealth. Encourage consistent care plans that include medication, balanced nutrition, andregular exercise.
• Promote Healthy Weight: Work with your dietitian, nutritionist, and food service team tooffer healthy options and weight education. Engaging families and caregivers canstrengthen results.
• Improve Sleep Quality: Poor sleep can worsen cognitive decline. Encourage good sleephygiene through calming routines, environmental adjustments, and addressingunderlying issues like pain or sleep apnea without over-relying on medication.

Treatment Options: Symptom Management & Disease Progression

In addition to healthy habits, medication can play a key role in both managing symptoms andslowing the course of Alzheimer’s disease.

Medications for Cognitive Symptoms

Drugs that support memory and thinking include:

• Cholinesterase Inhibitors such as Donepezil (Aricept) and Rivastigmine
• (Exelon)Glutamate Regulators like Memantine (Namenda)

For residents who have trouble swallowing, there are alternatives like Adlarity, a once-weeklydonepezil patch.

Managing Non-Cognitive Symptoms

Residents may also experience sleep issues and behavioral changes:

• Sleep Disorders: Suvorexant (Belsomra) can support more restful sleep
• Agitation or Behavioral Symptoms: Brexpiprazole (Rexulti) is approved for agitationlinked to Alzheimer’s dementia

Medications That Target Disease Progression

Newer treatments focus on slowing the disease itself. These biologic therapies areadministered via infusion and are designed for use in early-stage Alzheimer’s:

• Donanemab (Kisunla)
• Lecanemab (Leqembi)

These medications work by targeting the amyloid plaques that build up in the brain, which area hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.