Delayed development

Risk assessment and detection are the first steps in the pilot's construction, but patients are also offered cognitive training and pharmaceutical-free intervention to delay development of the condition.

So far, 27 neighborhoods have introduced private social organizations and explored pharmaceutical-free intervention, including group activities, body and brain activation movement, and art therapy.

More options can be chosen in accordance with each patient's cognitive status and preferences.

In a room at a service center in Daning Road, the seniors can try a special instrument used as part of the Bunne Method, a form of musical therapy.

"It is a combined instrument (with several fixed to a central frame) including guitars and drums, which can be played randomly by seniors," said Fei Chao, director of Shanghai Jinmei Elderly Care.

Fei added that of all nonpharmaceutical interventions, seniors are most sensitive to and affected by musical therapy, so caregivers hope to use it to help patients' retain their remaining brain functions and improve their quality of life.