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IF YOU KNOW someone with dementia, one of the hardest things as a relative or friend is feeling helpless as their memory gradually erodes.
However scientists at NUI Galway have found an effective way to improve life for dementia sufferers: talking about the olden days.
The researchers found that reminiscing about past memories and experiences, particularly with photos, music and household items, has a positive effect on quality of life.
This is because reminiscence therapy, as it is known, focuses on early memories, which often remain intact for people with dementia.
Professor Eamon O’Shea, who was involved in the research, said that reminiscing could highlight what a person’s memory has preserved, rather than focusing on cognitive impairment.
The trial looked at more than 300 people with dementia in nursing homes over the period of three years.
Professor O’Shea said that other therapies such as art could also help people with dementia.
It has been estimated that almost 50,000 people in Ireland have dementia, with some 4,000 new cases counted every year.
Professor O’Shea said reminiscing about the past could be good for both the person with dementia and the person talking with them.
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And in the Bloomfield nursing home in Stocking Lane, Rathfarnham, they accept donations of old-timey objects (they have a stoneware hot-water bottle, butter hands, etc) that will spark memories of times past.
Doing a charity cycle Malin head to Mizen head in 24 hours this Saturday with all money raise go to Alzheimer society and Parkinsons association.
Two great charities, well done. My dad had lewy body dementia so two charities close to my heart.
Well done and I hope the cycle goes well :) I’ve shared your fundraising page and I’ll be sure to donate myself, once my wages land in my account!!
Sure thats not new news. Everybody knows that. I always went back in time with my ma.her brain always seemed to preserve the good auld days
My thoughts as well. Why does some scientific research seem to be undertaken to ‘prove’ things that are presumed to be true in the first case?
Because not everything presumed to be true is actually true…
Like having to pay off unsecured bond holders because we cant default ???? Didnt seem to do ICELAND much harm but hold on they held POLITICIANS accountable … Now theres a movel thought
My friend’s mum developed Alzheimer’s at the age of 55. It was difficult for her family. I loved visiting her as she loved talking about her life some 30-40 years before. She lived it as if it were the present time and was animated and joyful. She died over 30 years ago, yet the happy memories remain.
I used to read Alice Taylors books for my mum because they were based in a time she could relate to,when the present was lost to her she really enjoyed this and was quite articulate for a long time about the 40′s and 50′s! I was delighted to read this article I feel maybe I was getting something right! Its a though road to travel!
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