Reminiscence therapy a tool to combat dementia at home

Reminiscence therapy can be done at home with dementia patients, using old photos, music and other props.

An exercise class in courtyard of Glenner Town Square, a US aged-care facility that uses reminiscence therapy. Music, recipes and photos can also trigger memories. Picture: The Wall Street Journal

Experts say reminiscence therapy can be done at home with dementia patients using old photos, music and other props.

Mindy Baker, director of education at George G. Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centres in California, says looking at old pictures is a great way for family members to connect.

“Think about what stories your loved ones like to retell, special events or accomplishments that happened in their life,” Baker says.

She recommends photos of the house in which they grew up, family members, weddings and trips.

She suggests enlarging photos and making a memory book together. Keep it simple with one or two photos on a page and large print to label photos.

Baker says doing a favourite activity or hobby together also is helpful. She suggests making an old favourite recipe together and using old mixing bowls or measuring cups if you have them. “As you are doing the activity, the smells, tastes, visuals and context will likely trigger some memories,” Baker says.

Music is also a great way to trigger memories, experts say, playing old songs or taking out an instrument they played in the past.

Keith Anderson, director of the Montana Geriatric Education Centre at the University of Montana, says the exercises should facilitate memory rather than challenge it. He warns against correcting dementia patients.

“Use suggestions when their memory does not align with the facts,” says Anderson. “In some cases, you can simply go along with the older adults’ recollection and support their perspectives on the past.”

Pamela Givens, a reminiscence therapy guide at Glenner Town Square, says they always refrain from asking patients, “Do you remember?” “We try to stay away from that word: ‘remember’,” she says.

The Wall Street Journal