Our memories are so precious to us. Nostalgia and “remember whens” bring smiles to our faces and laughter to our hearts. When those memories start to disappear due to Alzheimer’s disease, it’s not easy to experience or to watch, especially when there has been no sign that these memories can return.

However, a new study points to a promising alternative: perhaps those memories haven’t been destroyed by Alzheimer’s disease after all, and are, in fact, recoverable. Research performed on mice lends strong support to this theory, as those genetically altered to mimic Alzheimer’s appeared to regain memory when brain cells were stimulated with a special blue light.

Although quite a bit of work remains before this treatment can be safely translated into a human procedure, “The potential to rescue long-term memory in dementia is exciting,” according to Prerana Shrestha and Eric Klann of the Center for Neural Science at New York University.

If you are struggling to help someone with Alzheimer’s care, try using some of these communication strategies and reevaluate how to approach Alzheimer’s care struggles. Sometimes, it is too much to do alone. Home Matters is an in home care company providing a full range of senior care services. Our caregivers supply compassionate, therapeutic support for those with Alzheimer’s, and trusted respite care for those who love them. We proudly partner with AlzBetter®, a dementia care management system that creates in home care structure specifically for those with dementia. Our in home caregivers are specially trained to work with Alzheimer’s patients, allowing you to rest easy. We make it possible for your loved ones to get the care they need in the comfort of their own home.