The Center for Applied Research in Dementia develops, innovates, and applies its Montessori Dementia Intervention and Montessori Dementia Training methodology with a specialized team of diverse scientific professionals.

To improve the quality of life of persons with dementia and related disorders, and the lives of their caregivers, by enabling persons with dementia to engage in meaningful, productive activity and to fulfill meaningful social roles within their families and communities. We strive to change attitudes and beliefs by enabling persons with dementia to be treated with respect and dignity, and to continue living happy, productive and fulfilling lives as long as possible.

While major resources are focused on preventing or finding cures for Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, there are challenges and unmet needs faced every day by millions of people who currently have dementia or related disorders.  We envision a new paradigm of care in which persons diagnosed with dementia are viewed as individuals with lives worth living. Within this new paradigm, abilities, interests and preferences will be respected, encouraged and maximized.

The Center for Applied Research in Dementia, since its creation, has been a proponent of the Montessori method. We who work at the Center have applied this method to the care of persons with dementia and other cognitive disabilities. Our work is based on the basic values of respect, dignity, and equality for all human beings. This is a way of living, which focuses on inclusion. It involves the realization that we are all part of one family, and that prejudice or discrimination of any kind does damage to all of us.

At this time in our nation’s history, it is imperative that we reaffirm these values and ways of thinking. If we practice the universal principle of treating others the way we wish to be treated, we will grow as persons and as a nation.

Cameron J. Camp, PhD., Director of Research and Development                     June 14, 2020

“We shall walk together on this path of life, for all things are part of the universe and are connected with each other to form one whole unity.”— Maria Montessori