Covid-19 Information Update
Subscribe to Updates Schedule a Tour (281) 313-2500
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Knowledge Center
  • Testimonials
  • Contact
    • Contact
    • Ombudsman Program
Dementia

Why is the elephant a symbol for Alzheimer’s disease?

Kim Trevey on Jan 8, 2023

“An elephant never forgets.”

Living with Dementia - Barton House - Sugar Land, TX

You’ve heard it said, “An elephant never forgets.” This phrase isn’t simply a saying. It is backed by science. While elephants don’t remember every single thing, they do have incredible memories.

This is why the elephant is often used as a symbol for Alzheimer’s and dementia. It represents hope for finding a cure, developing medications that slow the disease process, and discovering more preventative methods to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.

Why do elephants have such good memories?

Living with Dementia - Barton House - Sugar Land, TX

Through observing and studying elephants, scientists and researchers have been able to determine elephants have remarkable memories. At The Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, Tennessee, when one of the elephants was introduced to a newcomer, they showed signs of recognizing one another. It turns out the two elephants had met each other briefly 23 years before. Even humans would have a hard time remembering someone they met once 23 years ago.

Elephants’ brains are bigger than humans’ and have 257 billion neurons compared to the human brain which has about 100 billion. This could be one reason elephants have such excellent memories, but scientists have also discovered that elephants do not experience the same type of brain deterioration with age that humans do.

An elephant sanctuary in Thailand - An Elephant Never Forgets. - Barton House Memory Care - Sugar Land, TX
An elephant sanctuary in Thailand - An Elephant Never Forgets. - Barton House Memory Care - Sugar Land, TX
An elephant sanctuary in Thailand - An Elephant Never Forgets. - Barton House Memory Care - Sugar Land, TX
An elephant sanctuary in Thailand - An Elephant Never Forgets. - Barton House Memory Care - Sugar Land, TX

In elderly elephant brains, researchers have found a lack of amyloid plaque buildup—the plaque that many Alzheimer’s researchers point to as the cause of cognitive decline. Without this plaque buildup, elephants’ cognitive abilities can remain much sharper even as they age.

What is the reason for this lack of plaque buildup in elephants’ brains? One theory credits the elephant’s social nature. Elephants travel in herds, and unlike other herd-traveling animals, they know one another. They recognize each other. They know where the other members of the herd are at all times, and they know when an elephant is not a part of their herd. This indicates a strong social bond between elephants of the same herd.

Alzheimer’s research has found that strong social connections can reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Social and emotional connection is good for the brain. The elephant’s instinct to live in a tight-knit community could be one of the main reasons elephants are able to maintain a healthy brain for the duration of their lives.

Elephants and Alzheimer’s disease

Using the elephant as a symbol for dementia and Alzheimer’s has helped raise awareness about the disease. Adri Stander, (see below) an Alzheimer’s and dementia advocate and educator, has used this symbol to create necklaces and pendants in an attempt to raise awareness and understanding around dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Adri Stander, an Alzheimer’s and dementia advocate and educator

You may not remember, but I’ll never forget.

Adri Stander, an Alzheimer’s and dementia advocate and educator

As she said, “During COVID I struggled to find my footing, and signing up new clients with dementia proved challenging. I then went back to my creative roots in jewelry design and manufacturing. I was determined to make a contribution in the area of dementia, so I started to design a piece of jewelry that represents, supports, and raises awareness about dementia.”

Adri’s work features an elephant made from sterling silver holding a forget-me-not flower. On the back is a lovely inscription: “You may not remember, but I’ll never forget.”

You can order one of Adri’s pieces by emailing her at [email protected] or visiting her Facebook page here.

This is just one creative avenue advocates are utilizing to bring more attention and understanding to dementia. If you’re interested in learning more about how you can help raise awareness for Alzheimer’s and dementia, contact your local Alzheimer’s association chapter.

An elephant never forgets, and may we never forget the more than 60 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s today.

Raise awareness.

Be an advocate.

And fight for a better future for those who are living with Alzheimer’s and dementia and for those who are at risk.

< PREVIOUS Ways to Stay Engaged Socially with Dementia
NEXT > Are Nursing Homes Good for Someone with Dementia?
Memory Care - Alzheimer's - Dementia - Barton House Sugarland
Memory Care vs. Nursing Home - Barton House Sugarland
6 Things You Should Know About Memory Care Facilities - Barton House Sugarland
Call us for more information

(281) 313-2500

Barton House Sugarland

2229 Williams Trace Blvd
Sugar Land, TX 77478

Memory Care Facility - Barton House Memory Care - Sugar Land, TX
Have more questions?

Contact Us

Want to see our facility?

Schedule a Tour

Want to recieve updates?

Subscribe to Newsletter

Copyright 2025 - Barton House Memory Care

Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions

Built with and by Jeff Payne Co.

Memory Care Facility - Barton House Memory Care - Sugar Land, TX
Call Us

Call us for more information

(281) 313-2500

Barton House Sugarland

1667 W. Sugarland Parkway
Sugarland, TX 75075

Have more questions?

Contact Us

Want to see our facility?

Schedule a Tour

Want to recieve updates?

Subscribe to Newsletter

`

Memory Care Facility - Barton House Memory Care - Sugar Land, TX
Covid Information

Continuing an Environment of Caring in Times of COVID-19


Safety of Residents and Staff

As the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to evolve, our communities are focused on keeping our Residents and staff safe while also maintaining Resident engagement and daily fulfillment. We are taking a cautious approach, balancing the highest level of safety within the least restrictive environment.

We will continue to follow and augment State and C.D.C. safety recommendations:

Screening: We screen every employee every day. We require our staff to complete a questionnaire (inquiring about possible symptoms, recent travel and exposure), have their temperature and oxygen level checked before entering the building. Staff are also required to clean their cell phones, keys and wash their hands while being observed. We monitor our Residents’ health closely with temperature and oxygen level checks at least twice a day. We help our Residents wash their hands throughout the day and encourage them to wear a mask or face covering.

Cleaning: We have enhanced our cleaning products with regard for their effectiveness in killing COVID-19 particles and proper sanitization and disinfection, using the EPA’s specific list of disinfectants for use against the coronavirus. We are using this list and training staff on how long cleaning solutions must be kept on a surface before wiping it off to ensure its effectiveness. We prioritize cleaning high-touch areas and horizontal surfaces, cleaning them several times a day.

Physical Distancing: We encourage 6 foot distancing between Residents and with staff unless they are providing direct care to a Resident.

Testing: We test all Residents and staff for COVID-19 every three weeks, and more as needed. Our nurses utilize a PCR test, which we send to a private lab to expedite results.

Physical Changes: We have installed ultraviolet lights in our air conditioners that supply air to the common areas of the houses. This method is believed to be helpful in killing bacteria that is cycled through the systems and pushed back into the house. We’ve also enhanced our HVAC filters to near HEPA levels, trying to add additional layers of protection to keep COVID-19 out of the building. Most importantly, air purifiers have been added to common areas and each resident room.

PPE: Staff members wear masks at all times and we encourage Residents to wear masks when outside their rooms. We also encourage physical distancing between our Residents. Staff wears additional protective equipment when deemed necessary while caring for our Residents. Staff are continually trained on when and how to use personal protective equipment (PPE).

Individual Needs Stay Paramount

The uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 affects us all. At our communities, we are not letting it stop us from safely offering a life well-lived. Above all, we are providing the utmost attention to the safety and well-being of our Residents. Our Program has always revolved around the individualized needs of each Resident and this has not changed during COVID-19. Residents are still able to connect with each other and staff while maintaining a safe physical distance. Weather permitting, we enjoy the patio and large backyard. We continue to keep our Residents engaged through cognitive, physical, recreational experiences. We offer enjoyment and connection throughout the day even during these unprecedented times.

Visitors

Since early March we have restricted facility access to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Essential Visitors: Healthcare providers including physicians, home health, private duty services, physical therapy and hospice staff have not been allowed in the communities unless there is an acute, essential need for our Residents. These services continue as needed through FaceTime, tele-med and phone conversations. If physical access is absolutely necessary, the individual will complete our questionnaire and screening for temperature and oxygen stats. No one is allowed in the community if they fail to meet our screening criteria.

Families: We are happy to help schedule window visits, FaceTime, Zoom and phone calls with your loved ones based on what is allowed and prudent. To ensure the proper support from our staff, our visits are scheduled ahead of time.

Tours and Move-Ins

Tours: We recognize that regardless of the changes with COVID-19, your need for senior living hasn’t changed. For the safety of you, our Residents and staff, we are currently offering virtual tours where you can see our community, as well as meet our staff. Please contact our Community Relations Director to set up a virtual tour.

Move-Ins: We are accepting a limited number of move-ins (unless otherwise instructed by public health department). New Residents must be tested for COVID-19 prior to move-in. Upon admission, we will place a new resident in their room to quarantine as an additional precaution.

We will share community-specific information with residents and families as our quarantine measures continue to evolve with new information of COVID-19.

We are honored to care for your family member and loved one.

 

Comments we’ve received from our families during COVID-19.

“We appreciate all of your efforts. Your team clearly is a leader in the response to COVID. Thank you for keeping our loved ones safe.”

Joseph

“Thank you, thank you, thank you for ALL you have done and are doing to keep the residents and staff in a safe environment! The continuous learning and improvements empower caregivers and families to do better at home and in our communities.”

Tommy

“I appreciate you taking the time to update us and share them with my family living in AL, GA, VA, MD, FL…we are extremely grateful and comforted by your proactive and decisive measures! We’ll continue to keep you in prayer for health, safety and more.”

Rebecca

“In keeping with the parade theme you had, the employees there are super heroes. They are plowing forward in the midst of this horrible virus and taking care of their patients selflessly. I just wanted to acknowledge their bravery and dedication and thank them from the bottom of my heart for the goodness in their hearts and their dedication to their patients and jobs.”

Abigail

“Thank you! You locked down early & your diligence has paid well.

The Bader support group continues meeting once a month by Zoom. We all appreciate you so much. Everyone comments on how grateful we are that our parents are at Barton House!

We appreciate everything: sending us pictures, calls, alerts to bring supplies/clothes as needed, staying in virtual contact with hospice.
Blessings to each of you.”

Marsha

“Thank you for all y’all and all the staff are doing for my mom and the other residents. We truly appreciate your hard work.”

Carol

Memory Care Facility - Barton House Memory Care - Sugar Land, TX
Subscribe for Updates

Receive our weekly newsletter. It’s filled with expert advice to help you learn about the latest in memory care, dementia care, and Alzheimer’s disease. We won’t send you any spam and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Schedule a Tour
  • We provide three options for facility tours.

    1. Virtual Tour Live: Request a virtual live tour of our facility via FaceTime with a Barton House staff member.

    2. In Person Tour: Request an on-site tour.