Memory Tricks: Caregivers

Aired on Lifetime Television
Sunday, July 8 and August 26, 2007
Show 415

Memory tricks, or certain activities that can spark memories, are great ways to bring joy to your loved one with dementia or Alzheimer's disease. "Some of the tricks that I use to jog the memory of people that have Alzheimer's are music," says professional caregiver Kelly. "I put the music on and we listen and the words come back. They know the songs. And that makes them very happy." Another trick Kelly uses is writing daily activities on a dry erase board. "It just came to me one day; why not write down what we did and what we ate and who we were with and where we went. And that will help her remember after I leave for the day," says Kelly. "Music is the best example of triggering memories and jogging our memory. And the more cues of triggers or jogging of the memory that you can find, the better," says Dr. Jamie Huysman.