title: Development of a memory center for older adults in Almaty, Kazakhstan: Innovative Practice.
abstract: Recognizing the economic and health-outcome value of early cognitive assessment and intervention among its older citizens has guided the Innovative Research School in Gerontology of the SD Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University to begin the process of establishing its nation's first memory center in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Life expectancy in Kazakhstan, which continues to undergo health-care reform since its independence in 1991 from the former Soviet Union, has steadily risen from 64.4 years in 1996 to 68.67 in 2009. With increased life expectancy has been a corresponding rise in cognitive impairments among older adults. The components of the Memory Center, which comprises assessment, education and support, non-pharmaceutical and pharmaceutical interventions, are described.
authors.affiliation: Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI, USA.
authors.forename: David W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.affiliation: S.D Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan.
authors.forename: Ainur
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Yeshmanova
authors.affiliation: S.D Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan.
authors.forename: Assiya
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Akanova
authors.affiliation: S.D Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan.
authors.forename: Gulmira
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Umutbayeva
authors.affiliation: S.D Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan.
authors.forename: Akmaral
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Abikulova
authors.affiliation: S.D Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan.
authors.forename: Vera
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Chaikovska
mesh_terms: D000069537:Adult Day Care Centers; D000368:Aged; D003704:Dementia / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods; D005853:Geriatrics; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007623:Kazakhstan; D008017:Life Expectancy / Q000639:trends; D008568:Memory
keywords: cognitive training; dementia; memory center; mild cognitive impairment; neuroplasticity