How does reminiscence help people with dementia?
For people with Alzheimer’s and dementia, short term memory is often one of the first areas to be impacted. Individuals living with the condition may find recalling recent events difficult and struggle to communicate their immediate needs. Unsurprisingly, the effects of this memory loss can be quite stressful and upsetting. It can also lead to feelings of anxiety, agitation and depression, which can be difficult for carers, family members, and loved ones to cope with.
That being said, many individuals living with dementia or Alzheimer’s are still able to recall older memories. As these are sometimes one of the last areas of memory to be affected, reminiscence therapy can be a powerful way of connecting and engaging with a person living with the condition.