Learn how you may be able to participate in a vaccine clinic.*
It’s an adage most of us have heard in one form or another: people might not remember what you said, but they’ll remember how you made them feel. This saying rings true for seniors living with dementia.
Studying How Alzheimer’s Impacts Emotions
Researchers examined how long emotions linger after memory fails when an older adult has Alzheimer’s.
The University of Iowa study was a small one—just 34 older adults. Half of the participants had early Alzheimer’s disease, and the other half were considered to be cognitively and physically healthy.
This small study seems to indicate that emotions linger long after memory fails. When that emotion is sadness, its lasts even longer than feelings of happiness.
This reinforces what experts have been saying for many years about how important environment is for people with Alzheimer’s. Fostering positive emotional experiences can help boost the spirit even after the memories of the experience fade.
Creating Positive Experiences for People With Alzheimer’s
What can you do to help a loved one with Alzheimer’s feel happier?
Alternative therapies might be key. Here are a few commonly used in memory care communities:
And, to learn more about navigating the journey with Alzheimer’s, we invite you to listen to Rita Altman, senior vice president of Memory Care & Program Services at Sunrise, in this episode of The Senior Caregiver podcast.