The CREA of Salamanca: Innovation and support for patients with dementia and their families.

In a corner of the city of Salamanca, away from the urban hustle, stands the CREA, the State Reference Center for the care of people with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. This center has become a fundamental pillar for care and research related to these conditions, created in response to the dependency law, an effort to establish state resources that address the needs of a group often forgotten: people with dementia and their families.

In the words of its managing director, Maribel Campo, CREA is not just a place that provides assistance; its mission goes far beyond that. It focuses on research and knowledge generation, seeking not only to better understand dementias but also to develop interventions that improve the quality of life of those affected. This proactive approach is essential, especially in a context where the number of Alzheimer's cases is expected to triple by 2050, representing an unprecedented challenge for our healthcare system.

CREA is distinguished by its focus on non-pharmacological therapies, which have proven to have a positive impact on patients' well-being. These interventions, ranging from music therapy to robotic therapy, are valued for their ability to adapt to individual needs and their low implementation cost. Maribel highlights that since 2008, they have used a robotic seal as a social stimulation tool, which has shown promising results in reducing agitation and improving interactions.

CREA's commitment to research is not limited to its own activities. They collaborate with universities, associations, and foundations, allowing them to share their knowledge and experience at national and international levels. Enrique Pérez, head of the research area, notes that their studies and publications have reached over 30 countries, evidencing the value of the care model and the innovation developed at the center. This exchange of information is crucial, especially in a field where scientific evidence is constantly evolving.

Care for the families of patients is another cornerstone of CREA's work. The emotional and physical burden of caring for a person with dementia is immense, which is why the center offers educational resources and support for caregivers. From family schools to temporary accommodations, CREA seeks to empower those on the front lines by providing tools that help them manage the complex reality of daily care.

The center's programs are designed to adapt to the different levels of cognitive impairment of its users. From the Comprehensive Ambulatory Intervention Service for individuals with mild cognitive impairment to residential programs for those in more advanced stages, each intervention is personalized through an Individual Intervention Program (PAI). This comprehensive approach ensures that each patient receives the necessary support to improve their quality of life and that of their families.

The CREA staff is made up of a multidisciplinary team of nearly 100 professionals who work together to provide comprehensive treatment. This approach is vital, as each patient presents a unique set of needs that require the collaboration of doctors, psychologists, occupational therapists, and social workers, among others. The importance of this collaboration is evident in the thorough evaluation process that each new admission must undergo, ensuring that interventions align with the established goals.

As CREA continues to develop, its future initiatives promise to further expand its impact. From creating a pilot home with advanced technology to facilitate the independent living of people with dementia, to integrating new tools such as 3D printers to customize supportive products, the center remains at the forefront of innovation in dementia care.

However, the challenges are significant. With an aging population and a projected increase in dementia cases, it is crucial for society to recognize the urgency of this issue. The work of CREA is not just an isolated task, but a response to a crisis that affects thousands of families. Raising awareness and supporting initiatives like this is essential to ensure that all affected individuals receive the care and respect they deserve.

The work of CREA, along with its efforts to share knowledge and train future professionals, is a model that could and should be replicated elsewhere. By doing so, not only is the quality of life for dementia patients improved, but it also provides relief to their caregivers, creating a supportive ecosystem that benefits the entire community. In a future where dementia will be a more common reality, the work of CREA becomes a beacon of hope and an example of how research and care can go hand in hand to transform lives.