Recalling memories from the past can be a great activity for the person who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia.  As the disease progresses, we see that it is difficult to learn new information but some memories created long ago may remain intact.  With guided discussion, these memories can sometimes be recalled and wonderful dialog can take place.

As a family member or caregiver, keep in mind the age of the person you are caring for.   Use this information to guide your discussion.  For example, let’s consider that someone grew up during the 1940’s.  This is the time of Clark Gable and Humphrey Bogart.  World War II was raging during the first half of the decade.  The world was recovering and re-organizing during the second half.  Computers were arriving on the scene.  It’s a Wonderful Life and Citizen Kane were in the cinema.  This type of information can provide useful topics for discussion.  The information is relevant to the time when memories were developed for this person.  The names Clark Gable and Humphrey Bogart may trigger memories for this person.  Talk about the war might spark conversation about living conditions, employment and other related events.

The internet is an excellent source of information related to time periods that would be relevant to the person you are caring for.  At KANDU Day Services/Memory Care, we also use a tool called the Leisure Interest Inventory.  It is a comprehensive list of hobbies and activities that people may have been involved in during recreation and leisure throughout their life.  Whether they have a current interest or have participated in named activities in the past is indicated. This allows us to individualize their support while at KANDU.  Again, it also gives us information into the likes/dislikes of the individuals we support.  Along with identifying preferences for activities, it also exposes topics for discussion.  For instance, if a person has been involved in sewing projects in the past, we can use this information to discuss what types of sewing; cross stitch, knitting, crocheting or quilting.  We can ask about favorite fabrics, stitches and projects.  Furthermore, we can gather resources from the library related to sewing.  Books and videos regarding the sewing topic can be provided.  Fabrics and quilts can be brought in to share with the group during discussion.  The number of possibilities seems endless once the leisure interest has been uncovered.

Not every person will respond to memory recall discussions or activities but in a group setting, it can be very effective.  It is a valuable tool that can provide meaningful activity for your loved one. 

Respectfully submitted by:
Julie Smith, Program Manager
KANDU Day Services/Memory Care Program

A few months ago, one of the day services clients here at KANDU was having a bad start to her day. She was confused and then a little embarrassed due to her momentary yet quite noticeable memory lapse. Of course the staff here guided her back on track with compassion and humor to get past the moment,  (the client,  Maureen*,  has a famously easy laugh around here.) 

A few hours later, she was walking the halls for therapy with a staff member, Julie, working on a sound way to walk with her walker.  I couldn’t help but over hear their conversation. Julie encouraged her to place the walker then think “step, step” with each foot since Maureen has developed a habit of dragging the second foot a bit. Maureen courageously announced the process out loud. “Walker. Step. Step. Walker. Step Step.”  She would periodically ask, “How did I do that time?” And Julie would praise her progress or give feedback for improvement.  

As they proceeded down the 50 foot hall. I heard Maureen say, “This is just what I need. A goal! That’s what’s been missing!” I almost started weeping at the pure joy in her voice. At the beginning of the year, we each often set goals for our 2010. I feel a new sense of energy myself as I track my progress and stay focused.  Whether you feel the need to set a goal for work, for your health, or for your personal life, I hope you feel the joy that comes from challenging yourself to improve, just like Maureen.

*not her real name