Yesteryear, Not Yesterday: How Reminiscing Helps Loved Ones with Alzheimer’s and Other Forms of Dementia Feel Connected

You’ve embarked on this Alzheimer’s journey– a journey where yesterday’s memories disappear quickly while the details of school days are clear. You might not know what is ahead but you can help your loved one feel a sense of value and belonging by traveling back in time and reminiscing as the journey continues.

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The hippocampus is the part of the brain that plays a major role in learning, memory, and emotions. It is one of the first areas affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. This explains why one of the first indications of the disease is repetition of thoughts and the inability to create new memories.

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Knowing what we do about the brain and how it is affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, we realize how reminiscing can have such a positive, powerful impact.
Reminiscing Restores Identity and Sense of Self. It connects the best moments from the past to conversations today.

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Those living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia may start to lose interest in being part of their regular social circles as holding conversations become increasing difficult. They can feel isolated and disconnected from family and friends as they struggle to understand and appropriately respond.

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Through conversations that focus on the past and reminiscing, our loved ones with memory loss can find joy and success in social settings. It is up to us as caregivers, family members, and friends to change how we communicate with our loved ones living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. When we do, we will see a stronger sense of belonging and interest in being part of the social circle.
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Those living with Alzheimer’s disease will not regain any cognitive loss, but reminiscing can help to improve self-esteem and feelings of inclusion.
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Mood lasts longer than memories.
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Reminiscing about the good ole days can bring great joy, happiness, and positive emotions for those living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. While the details of the stories may be gone just a short time after the conversation ends, the feelings that were connected will linger much longer. Being in a good mood and enjoying these moments together is a quality of life that those living with memory loss and their loved ones can cherish.
Reminiscing therapy engages the senses.
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There are four methods for successful reminiscing therapy with those who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.
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1. Aural
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Music, poems, prayers and other familiar sounds can evoke positive memories from the past. You might be surprised when you turn on an old tune from the 1930s or 40s and your loved one can sing along – remembering every word! Music and Memories is a popular program in assisted living and memory care communities including Oak Park Place.
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2. Visual
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Photos, paintings, or objects that have meaning from the past are also powerful in bringing about positive feelings. Pull out those old photo albums and ask about the pictures and what was happening at that time. There is often great joy in the walks down memory lane, paging through pictures that were taken when film still needed to be developed!
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3. Smell & Taste
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When deciding on the menu for a meal, choose comfort foods from the past. Those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia will enjoy foods that remind them of when they were growing up. You might find a summer afternoon to pick raspberries (like the raspberries our loved ones picked in the backyard growing up) and make homemade jam just like they did years ago.
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4. Tactile
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Bring back memories of great feelings through tangible objects. An old quilt, a painting that hung on the wall, or a dog leash (for someone who had pets growing up), or pet visits may all stir up positive thoughts, stories, and memories.
Reminiscing focuses on what those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia have left and the memories they hold so dear. You’ll be glad you found the music, asked the questions, and talked about those good ole days! You might want to get a notebook and start writing down what you hear. Or even record your loved one as they reminisce with you.
As caregivers, it is important that we adjust our communication to avoid causing frustration and to provide positive experiences for those who have Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. We can re-capture the emotions that are an integral part of our loved ones’ memories. As we continue on this journey, find great joy from yesteryear and not yesterday.

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