It was noticed that participants could remember specific details from the photographs after the sessions. They smiled more frequently and were able to engage in deeper conversation with the researchers and their families. Photos helped them recall important life events and recall information about family relationships.
Like reading a book aloud, reminiscing over personal photos helps exercise the brain. It's believed that using photos in therapy sessions may improve memory function and extend cognitive abilities. In the pilot research mentioned above, seniors performed as well as or better in cognitive tests performed after the therapy. They were also more socially engaged during the day.
There's evidence to show that this form of evoking memories has a positive effect on seniors with dementia or memory loss. It provides pleasure and can create a sense of peace and happiness. It reduces social isolation and can serve as a distraction if your loved one is upset or agitated.
Here are some ideas for preparing a personal photo album for your loved one.
It's important to collect photos your loved one will relate to. They should be photos of people, events and locations that they know. One suggestion is to arrange photos in chronological order. This helps create a logical perspective for your loved one. Because old photos are sometimes indistinct, it may be a good idea to scan them and edit the images to increase contrast and possibly add some color. Scanning also offers an opportunity to crop photos to create a logical point of focus. Try to find photos that relate to meaningful events in your loved one's life.
Label the pictures using large, clear print. Add annotations to illustrate:
Rather than one album that covers many events, it may be helpful to create multiple albums. Each album can cover a specific theme, topic or event. This avoids overwhelming your loved one with too much information because it keeps each album simple and more manageable. In the research above, the therapists used albums with a maximum of 52 photos and, in some instances, considerably fewer.
This approach may help memory retention and help your loved one recall events more effectively. You can use a different album for each visit or therapy session. Alternatively, it might be better to use the same album for consecutive sessions, as this may be more effective with regard to what your loved one remembers. Suggestions for different albums include:
Your loved one may enjoy taking part in creating a new album or scrapbook. It's a good way to engage with them as you work together. The exercise may stimulate their brain as they look through old photographs and family news clippings. It may help to preselect some photos so you don't overwhelm them with too much information. Also, let your loved one move at their own pace following the mantra of "connect, not correct."
Start with times they remember and build on those experiences. This can be a time when the two of you can connect at a deeper level. You may be able to share stories of the past as your partner or loved one recalls events recorded in pictures. If you're not sure, work with one of our therapists at Autumn View Gardens Creve Coeur Assisted Living and Memory Care, and be sensitive to your loved one's stress, anxiety and attention span.
Here are a few practical ideas for photos you can use to make your first album:
Creating and sharing a photo album with your loved one can provide them with a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. It can greatly help someone experiencing the bewilderment of memory loss.
