The Arts as Therapy for Advanced Alzheimer's Patients

I believe that people with Alzheimer's should be creating their own art regularly. Start an art portfolio and see that they have the chance to express themselves in this manner.

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Thank you for this informative post. Have also read Mr. Ziesel book and you describe the book well in your post. Another thing have found inspiring is a DVD we got on amazon called "I Remember Better When I Paint" which is a documentary on how the creative arts build quality of life and communications for those with Alzheimer's.

What an awesome idea!!! Am going to try this with Ruth when she home....thanks

I visit my mother every day in the nursing home. I believe she is now in the seventh stage of Alzheimers. Even though she cannot communicate well, I know that she understands. I can spell a word and she will say it to me. She follows direction well when asked to hold on to something or other simple tasks. And she will answer simple questions with one or two word responses. She can also count and say the abc's with me. She can show me her hands, feet, eyes, ears and nose. I believe the key is stimulation. Being where others are, being spoken to or read to or just listening to the radio or tv are all very important at every stage of the disease. I do not dwell on the things she can no longer do. I focus on her amazing ability to do the simple things she can still do. I know she is still in there, some days it just takes alittle longer to find her.

I had an interesting experience while caring for a woman with advanced alzheimer's disease. She had for the most part lost her language. I was getting her washed up and ready for breakfast. I was talking with her and I said when you are ready I will take you out for breakfast, clear as a bell she replied, I like coffee. I told her I am sure that there would be coffee. Her facial expression always changed when she saw her husband, she would always smile. I think we cannot know what they can see or understand. I believe all our elders should be treated with respect and dignity and kindness!!!

My mother living with Alzheimer's for 17 years and cared for at home by her family, had cognition until the end. Like others, she had many moments of clarity and some when she appeared to be in her own world. So much of how our loved ones fare is tied to the parts of the brain impacted by Alzheimer's disease, the AMOUNT and KIND of stimulation they receive DAILY, the amount of stress in their lives, and the number and dosing of their medication. It is the latter that many don't recognize as causing a diminishing of cognition. Haldol, for example, causes a "zoned out" affect and other medications are often prescribed in nursing homes to encourage sleep and prevent wandering. Elders with Alzheimer's are like young children in that they communicate non-verbally, respond to familiar faces and surroundings, and love the affection of a warm hug or a gentle massage. Keep looking for your loved ones "inside" for they are still there and will be until the end.

You are all so right in saying that the Alzheimer's person is still in there and should always be treated with love, respect and dignity. My dad's lived with me in my home for almost 15 months, and although it's been a year since he recognized me as his daughter, he does know he has a daughter, Mary. Sometimes when he's upset or getting anxious, I'll go in the next room and call him from my cell phone to the house phone. When he picks up the phone and I say "hi Dad, it's me, Mary", he immediately responds with "hi dear, how are you?, how's everything going with you?", etc., etc. When the conversation ends and I walk back into the room, he'll always tell me that he just heard from his daughter.(this also settles him back down too).

Bless your heart Mary... he does not recognize you as an adult, in his mind you are his little girl... take care I am sure he is happy because you care so much!!!

Wow Mary, that is so neat! I never thought of that. I will be sure to suggest that to others who are in a similar situation. Thanks for sharing.