Where Does Memory Live?
My dad often said, “Karen is just like a duck. Every day she wakes up, it’s a brand new world.” I was never sure if dad was saying something good or bad about me, but this statement does bear some … Continue reading
The Raven and the Writing Desk
The Importance of Category Sort Exercises for People Living with Alzheimer’s We walked into the Alzheimer’s unit after our lunch break and instantly heard the raised voices. There was a real donnybrook going on in the dining room and we … Continue reading
Never Give Up on Anyone!
We have learned over the years to look for the strengths and spared abilities in people living with Alzheimer’s. One of the abilities that we count as a great strength is the ability to read. Many people living with Alzheimer’s … Continue reading
Priming the Pump of Memory
There are ways to help prime the pump of memory using techniques that we have pioneered to help people find new ways to be successful. One of the most effective techniques we use to prime the pump of memory is … Continue reading
But Who Knows Where or When?
Did you know that there are different memory systems at work in our brains? One of those systems is the declarative memory system. This is the memory system that affects short term memory, language, facts, recent episodes and executive function … Continue reading
The Alzheimer’s Whisperer
When I first met him, he was a young man with only two speeds; flat out or sound asleep. He has known only hard work his entire life. He has been a drummer, a machinist, a medic and is now … Continue reading
Completing the Circle: The Montessori Method for Alzheimer’s Care
He first stacked the pink tower cubes from the largest to the smallest, very slowly and carefully placing the smallest cube right in the center on top. He leaned back and smiled at this accomplishment. Then the pink tower was … Continue reading
Make a Joyful Noise!
We experience some amazing things in this dementia work. One of the very best experiences is when we incorporate music into our work. People who may never speak, or have trouble finding common words can still often sing and remember … Continue reading
With a Little Help from My Friends
Betty was filling the watercolor paper with multi-colored dots. Dots of blue and green and yellow and pink were raining down everywhere on the paper. Suddenly, Betty stopped and looked questioningly at the aide sitting next to her. “Is this … Continue reading
Little People, Little Miracles
There is a kind of magic that happens when we bring young children and elders together. These two generations seem to understand each other. This is not to say that older people are child like, rather it is that both … Continue reading
