Senior center provides help to those with Alzheimer's

A Utah assisted living center offers a unique service to patients showing early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. According to the Salt Lake Tribune, the Aspen Senior Center encourages activities that stress nutrition, exercise and social engagement for those with memory problems.


Among the features of the center are comfortable couches and chairs, as well as a variety of craft tables.


Eighty-nine-year-old Helen Hassell lives alone and uses the center frequently.

The news source reports that it has served as a cure for her loneliness, which was exacerbated by the fact that her three sons all live out of state.


Although it is aimed at those with memory-related issues, the Aspen Senior Center is also open to a many more people as well.


"Our services also are geared toward those with Parkinson's disease, those who are wheelchair-bound and those who may be lonely and depressed," owner and executive director Gary Staples told the news provider.


According to the Mayo Clinic, only about 5 percent of people between the ages of 65 and 74 have Alzheimer's disease, but almost half of those over the age of 85 suffer from the mental illness.


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