A team of researchers from the University of Pennsylvania and elsewhere have shared some hopeful news for people experiencing memory problems and their caregivers.
Their study, recently shared in the journal Innovation in Aging, explores a drug-free way to help improve the quality of life and sleep for those dealing with memory issues.
Led by Nancy Hodgson, a well-respected professor in nursing, the study involved 209 pairs of individuals with memory problems and their care partners.
These pairs were divided into two groups. One group participated in what’s called the Healthy Patterns Sleep Program, which included one-hour sessions of activities at home over a month.
The other group was given lessons on good sleep habits and advice on home safety and staying healthy.
The Healthy Patterns Sleep Program is quite unique.
It involves scheduling daily activities for the person with memory issues—like sharing memories in the morning, exercising in the afternoon, and engaging in calming activities in the evening. The goal? To reduce naps and enhance sleep at night.
Hodgson and her team found that this program really made a difference. Not only did it improve the overall quality of life, but it also helped those with depression or poor sleep to rest better at night.
However, they noted that to see changes in other sleep-related behaviors, the program might need to be extended beyond four weeks.
This study is significant because it shows that behavioral strategies—like organizing daily activities—can have a real impact.
It’s not just about making life more enjoyable; it can also ease the burden on caregivers and reduce the costs associated with caring for someone with memory problems at home.
In short, the Healthy Patterns Sleep Program offers a glimmer of hope and a practical solution for improving the well-being of people living with memory issues and their caregivers. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best medicine doesn’t come in a bottle.
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The research findings can be found in Innovation in Aging.
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