1950’s Themed Center For Alzheimer’s Patients Set To Open In April

A real-life time capsule has been constructed in Chula Vista with the purpose of helping Alzheimer’s patients.

The 1950’s themed Glenner Town Square adult-day-care center has started accepting applications from prospective patients ahead of its April grand opening.

"We've basically leased out a big warehouse building in Chula Vista and remodeled it to be a 1950s, 1960s city. So what that will do when people walk in is it will bring them back to that time when their memories are the strongest because based on the age of all our participants, which is late 70s early 80s, that's the time they usually resonate with," said Lisa Tyburski, director of business development for Glenner Alzheimer's Family Centers.

The center uses a technique known as reminiscence therapy to help people diagnosed with Alzheimer's and other forms dementia. The center features a 1950s-era diner, movie theater, library and other shops. The patients will rotate through each location and participate in activities based on their cognitive abilities, Tyburski said.

"What [reminiscence therapy] does, in the studies we have read and what our medical advisory council has advised us on, is that it helps with sleep, improving mood and decreasing with agitation, so it brings a lot of peace, joy and calmness," said Tyburski.

Tyburski discusses the vision behind the Glenner Town Square and reminiscence therapy Wednesday on Midday Edition.

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