“Do you know, we had buttons on our shoes,” Mother informed me as she played with the buttons I was sewing on a blouse.  “And we used a button hook to fasten them.” 

Then she began to tell me other stories about her childhood.  This occurred while she could still talk coherently and relate her memories. 

Later, something like buttons, a piece of jewelry, as flower, a color would draw short comments like “Pretty buttons,” while she moved them around on a table.  Or “Pretty pin” or “Ma’s pin” of a brooch.  Then she might try to pin it on her dress.Along with pictures to recall memories, often we can use mementos that actually come from their life or are reminiscent of something that occurred.  It’s also a point of contact between you as it helps stimulate the Alzheimer’s patients vocally and mentally.

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Mementos Help Alzheimer’s Patients Recall Memories

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?

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Using Magazines & Picture Books With Alzheimer’s Patients

These were fun for the residents, who chatted among themselves as we introduced the memory joggers.  These also can be fun for families to use with their family member with Alzheimer’s.  I enjoyed writing down and recording my mom’s reminiscing for her family.

I’ve recently discovered a book that will aid in jogging memories, Mothballs in My Attic, by Cindy O’Neill at www.mimabook.com .  This book uses words to bring back memories.

Cindy mentioned that it’s been used as a resource tool  by activity planners in the medical field as well as caregivers for dementia patients.  More information about the book and how it’s been used can be found on her site.  You can check it out to see if it’s something you might find useful. 

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Memory Joggers for Alzheimer’s Patients