Alzheimer’s disease has become one of the most significant public health challenges in the United States. With an aging population and no definitive cure, the prevalence of Alzheimer’s continues to rise, placing a burden on families, caregivers, and the healthcare system. In recent years, innovative care models have emerged, offering new hope for those affected by the disease. Among them, Marama and its expansion into Marama Kansas have introduced a fresh approach to memory care, providing specialized support for those battling Alzheimer’s.
Overview of Alzheimer’s in the U.S.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting more than 6.7 million Americans as of 2023. By 2050, this number is expected to rise to nearly 14 million as the baby boomer generation ages. The financial impact of Alzheimer’s is equally staggering, with costs expected to surpass $1 trillion by mid-century due to direct medical care and the indirect costs of lost productivity from caregivers.
The disease affects more than just memory—it disrupts cognition, reasoning, and the ability to perform everyday tasks. Alzheimer’s not only devastates the individuals diagnosed with it but also takes a profound toll on families and caregivers. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, over 11 million Americans provide unpaid care for individuals with Alzheimer’s, often leading to significant physical, emotional, and financial strain.
The Importance of Specialized Alzheimer’s Care
As the need for comprehensive Alzheimer’s care grows, the limitations of conventional caregiving methods have become increasingly evident. Most traditional care facilities focus on managing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s rather than addressing the root causes. However, specialized facilities like Marama are reshaping Alzheimer’s care by incorporating holistic approaches and innovative treatment protocols that aim to improve cognitive health and quality of life.
Marama: A Visionary Approach to Alzheimer’s Care
Marama was founded by Dr. Heather Sandison, a prominent authority on neurodegenerative diseases. Dr. Sandison is a naturopathic doctor and an advocate for innovative approaches to Alzheimer’s care. She is also the author of a best-selling book, “Reversing Alzheimer’s,” which became a New York Times bestseller for its insights into reversing cognitive decline through holistic methods. Her work is grounded in the belief that Alzheimer’s can be combated through lifestyle changes, a healthy environment, and targeted interventions.
Dr. Sandison’s philosophy is embodied in Marama, a licensed residential care facility that combines compassionate caregiving with cutting-edge treatment protocols, including Dr. Dale Bredesen’s Protocol. The facility’s goal is to provide a place where individuals can not only live comfortably but also engage in therapies aimed at improving cognitive function.
At Marama, residents benefit from a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates dietary modifications, exercise, cognitive training, and stress management. The facility creates a nurturing and home-like environment, which helps residents feel supported while receiving individualized care tailored to their unique needs. Dr. Sandison’s innovative vision has made Marama a leader in Alzheimer’s care, setting a new standard for residential memory care.
Marama Kansas: A New Model of Collaboration
In a groundbreaking partnership, Marama joined forces with Avita Rolling Hills to create Marama Kansas, a specialized memory care facility that offers a unique and integrative approach to Alzheimer’s care. Marama Kansas was born from this collaboration with the aim of bringing the expertise and innovative care models pioneered by Marama to a new region. Located in Wichita, Kansas, this facility provides residents with a nurturing environment that focuses on personalized, science-based care.
Marama Kansas blends the holistic care strategies that Marama is known for with the high standards of service and support from Avita Rolling Hills. This collaboration emphasizes a comprehensive approach to Alzheimer’s, addressing not only physical health but also cognitive and emotional well-being. By implementing Dr. Bredesen’s Protocol, which focuses on reversing cognitive decline through lifestyle changes and personalized interventions, Marama Kansas integrates cutting-edge treatments such as dietary modifications, physical activity, stress management, and cognitive exercises. This approach creates a healing environment where residents receive individualized care tailored to their unique needs, aiming to improve brain health and quality of life.
The Current Landscape of Alzheimer’s in the U.S.
In response to the growing crisis, the U.S. government has committed significant resources to Alzheimer’s research, allocating $3.8 billion to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 2023 alone. This funding supports research into understanding the disease, finding potential treatments, and improving caregiving practices. But while progress is being made in the scientific community, facilities like Marama play a critical role in offering real-world solutions to families facing Alzheimer’s today.
A major challenge in Alzheimer’s care is the lack of specialized facilities. Families frequently find it difficult to locate places that offer personalized and attentive care for their loved ones. Marama seeks to address this gap by providing a center of excellence in care, combining the best of science with compassionate caregiving.
A Path Forward
Marama, with its visionary leadership under Dr. Heather Sandison, continues to redefine memory care, providing a model that integrates advanced scientific treatments with compassionate caregiving. In partnership with other facilities across the U.S., Marama is working to bring and implement its innovative care model, including Dr. Bredesen’s Protocol, to more regions. Through these collaborations, Marama is expanding its reach and bringing hope to more families affected by Alzheimer’s, offering them access to cutting-edge treatments and personalized care that address both the physical and cognitive aspects of the disease.