Poignant smells, familiar tunes, cherished objects and heart-warming stories have the power to summon memories from deep within, even for someone experiencing memory loss. Capturing and leveraging memories that trigger an emotional response can effectively help manage the behaviors of someone with Alzheimer’s or other dementias.
Memories of “When I was young…” and photos of yesteryear also open a portal to the past where family members and friends can relive special moments together. Taking a trip down memory lane generates a warmth of familiarity and comfort—feelings particularly welcome in someone with dementia—and helps ensure that person’s contribution to the family’s history remains intact. The resources you’ll find in this section offer ideas and best practices for evoking memories to benefit a family member with dementia.
