At Dolan Memory Care in St. Louis County, Missouri, our mission is rooted in evidence-based care for individuals with dementia. Recently, a compelling study published in Science revealed a link between air pollution (specifically PM2.5) and increased risk of Lewy body dementia—a type of neurodegenerative condition distinct from Alzheimer’s, yet equally impactful .
What This Means for St. Louis County Families
- Air pollution isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s a brain health issue. The study found that long-term exposure to fine particulate matter can misfold proteins into Lewy bodies, impairing nerve cells and accelerating cognitive decline .
- For families across St. Louis County and Missouri, where air quality varies and memory care is a growing need, this underscores the importance of safe indoor environments, advocacy for cleaner air, and proactive cognitive support.
How Dolan Memory Care Responds
- Emphasizing Research-Based Therapies
Beyond environmental risks, we focus on proven interventions that nurture cognition. One such evidence-based tool is Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST)—shown to improve memory, mood, and quality of life in people with mild to moderate dementia. - Tailored, Compassionate Care in Missouri
At our St. Louis County memory care homes, CST is delivered both in group settings and one-on-one formats (iCST), fostering mental stimulation and social engagement within a supportive environment.
Learn More & Dive Deeper
- Discover how CST supports cognition and community in memory care: What Is Cognitive Stimulation Therapy?
- Learn about the emerging environmental factors that may influence dementia risk—and how our Missouri-based care team responds.
FAQs About Dementia Care in St. Louis County, Missouri
1. How does air pollution affect dementia risk in Missouri?
Research shows that long-term exposure to fine air pollutants (PM2.5) can increase the risk of Lewy body dementia by contributing to abnormal protein buildup in the brain. Families in St. Louis County should be mindful of local air quality reports and ensure safe, clean indoor environments.
2. What is Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST), and is it available in St. Louis County?
Yes! Dolan Memory Care provides CST sessions designed to improve memory, thinking, and communication skills. Both group CST and individualized iCST are available in our Missouri homes, offering structured activities that keep residents engaged.
3. How is Lewy body dementia different from Alzheimer’s?
Lewy body dementia often includes symptoms such as visual hallucinations, motor difficulties, and sleep disturbances in addition to cognitive decline, while Alzheimer’s primarily affects memory and thinking first. Both conditions require specialized care, which Dolan Memory Care provides in St. Louis County.
4. What makes Dolan Memory Care unique in Missouri?
Unlike traditional nursing homes, Dolan Memory Care offers small, residential-style homes in St. Louis County where residents receive personalized dementia care in a family-like environment. We combine compassion with evidence-based practices like CST to improve quality of life.
5. How can families in St. Louis County get started with Dolan Memory Care?
Families can contact us directly to schedule a visit, learn about our St. Louis County memory care homes, and explore options tailored to their loved one’s needs.
At Dolan Memory Care, families in St. Louis County and across Missouri can trust that we’re following the science—not just caring with compassion, but also with insight.
