There are many important benefits to remember the events and moments in our lives and the lives of those we love this month, Memorial Day is just one day where this truth is brought back into focus. For those that struggle with remembering, reminiscing is just as important as food and drink.

Memories can include such items as photos, songs, or other tangible objects, like a favorite blanket, shirt or stuffed animal. These can be vital for recall and in individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s this can be the matter of function verses little to none.

The information that is rehearsed allows individuals to recall moments of their personal history. This helps to improve confidence in the person to whom the history matters; to talk about what is important to them. The Elder Care Alliance published an article specifically on this topic and highlights some of the same benefits we cover here in their Oct. 27, 2017-Benefits of Reminiscence Therapy.

“Be kind to one another. Let us all show more kindness.”  

from LDS Church and NAACP recent address to the world news broadcast May 2018..

So more than rehearsal some of the benefits to reminiscing include the use of the senses; sight, touch, taste, smell and sound. It is amazing how the smell of baked goods reminds me of grandma’s house around the holidays. It is the same for most of us that a sense can invigorate and present a good or bad memory.

Sample activities include general conversation and story-telling, “Do you remember when?” “What about when you were 10?” These are easy ways to encourage the memory to recall those important moments.

These activities need to reduce stress and agitation with minimal prompts. A couple of items to remember yourself if you are the one encouraging the reminiscing;

Avoid correction, belittlement, or discouragement if dementia or Alzheimer’s is present.