Using Magazines & Picture Books With Alzheimer’s Patients

In the previous post, Liz mentions using books and art with Alzheimer’s patients  and gives resources for finding them.  Magazines also are useful in stimulating Alzheimer’s patients’ memory and entertaining them.

I recall how Mother enjoyed turning the pages of a magazine, when she could still do this.  She’d recognize some pictures and comment on them.  Sometimes they would stimulate her memory and take her to earlier eras of her life. 

When she lived with me, magazines often entertained her.  At that time she still could read some of the words, even understand brief phrases.  We’d often sit and look at the pictures for entertainment.  At the nursing home, staff members provided magazines for the residents.  During some activity time, they would read to the patient or discuss the pictures.

             A magazine such as Good Old Days, with stories and pictures of days ago often will bring back memories or stimulate conversation with Alzheimer’s patients.  Although there is no specific magazine nor type of magazine that is better than the other, those that relate to former aspects of the patient’s life may encourage activity.   Since my mom was interested in quilting and was the inspiration for me operating a quiltmaking business during the Bicentennial years, she often responded to quilt pictures and quilts.  Those started her reminiscing about quilting in her childhood, too.

What magazines and picture books can you use for enjoyable activities and communication with your Alzheimer’s family member?