Evidence from neuro- and cognitive psychology indicates that elders with dementia or Alzheimer's disease (AD) have impaired explicit memory but preserved implicit memory. For initiating an intervention related to spared implicit memory, we propose that implicit memory can be used therapeutically in patients with dementia. The sense of familiarity as a form of implicit memory is used as an exemplar. Producing or introducing the sense of familiarity into a new or strange environment as well as maximizing familiarity in an existing environment is proposed as a viable nursing strategy.

A growing body of evidence supports the presence of a preserved implicit memory (PIM) system for persons with Alzheimer's disease (AD). This article describes a new approach to dementia care, the PIM model, which translates evidence from implicit memory research into a practice model of dementia care. The PIM model predicts that function can be sustained longer for persons with AD through interventions and environments that activate an individual's PIM. Activation of PIM can occur with perceptual priming of familiar objects and reinforcement of learned motor skill memories within tasks. This practice model provides a new framework for planning and implementing dementia care that may preserve function for persons with Alzheimer's dementia.

Our purpose was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Ambiance Scale (AS), a new instrument that assesses the capacity of long-term care environments for generating affective and behavioural responses in people with dementia. Within the context of three parent studies of dementia-related behaviour in long-term care settings, we conducted a cross-sectional correlational study by creating two separate samples of ratings from among all those available. Factor analysis revealed a two-factor structure (engaging, soothing) for the AS. Internal consistency and evaluation of inter- and intra-rater reliability were favourable. A consistent pattern of ratings on the AS and its subscales, moderate subscale correlations, and significant differences between facility types: nursing homes (NH) vs assisted living facilities (ALF) and among selected locations (residents' rooms, dining rooms, halls) within facility types support construct validity of the scale.

This study's purpose was to describe the concept of familiarity for immigrant Korean elders as expressed through clothing, objects, songs/music, foods, and associated feelings. A descriptive exploratory design with in-depth, face-to-face interviews was used. A convenience sample of 14 immigrant Korean elders, age 63 to 82 years, was recruited from a Korean senior apartment complex. Interviews were tape-recorded and then transcribed in Korean by the first author. Constant comparative analysis was used to derive eight themes related to feelings and practice associated with culturally familiar items: homesickness, comfort, pleasure, mixed feelings, attachment, pride, nostalgic practice, and essentiality. These findings about familiarity could be utilized with ethnic minority elders to enhance their sense of belonging and physical and psychological comfort.

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