UK study: ‘Person-centered care’ improves lives of dementia residents, caregivers

Carrie Antlfinger/AP

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AP

For many Kentuckians with dementia, medical interventions may seem like the only choice, but a new University of Kentucky study shows that prioritizing joy and engagement through enrichment activities is vital for the health of both residents and the caregivers who support them. Researchers from the School of Music in the UK College of Fine Arts and the Sanders-Brown Center on Aging investigated how complementary and supportive care programs (CSCPs) — like animal interactions, music therapy and group games — affect life in four different Kentucky care facilities. Dr. Greg talks with lead researcher Alaine E. Reschke-Hernández.