Help for Those Caring for a Person With Dementia

The percentage of people with Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias is growing. It even seems as though people diagnosed with younger onset Alzheimer's is greater than the reported 5% of the total. Because of this almost everyone knows someone either with dementia or challenged by caring for a person with dementia.

Six years ago Dan Cohen presented "Alive Inside" as part of his Music & Memory initiative. His proposed use of music to spark memories, calm behaviors and touch the very core of a person inspired me to create LifeSongs recordable scrapbooks. These books are a useful resource that uses photos and meaningful music to tell a person's life story. They can help both the person and their caregivers by promoting conversation and focusing a time for reminiscing.

Music can be used by making a LifeSongs book and using it. Music can also be used to encourage movement for daily tasks or exercises. Thirdly, music can be the center for social interactions such as sing-a-longs. These are three very effective methods for engaging a person/friend with dementia.

Any senior club, center or organization can contact Sue Lyon for FREE samples of LifeSongs books to offer to their members in need of assistance in caregiving. A case of 12 LifeSongs books can be delivered if requested before April 1st (email Sue at info@LifeSongs.info). In return, it is requested that you share your list of recipients for feedback purposes. In addition, any family member or friend of someone with younger onset Alzheimer's can contact Sue directly especially since it is a highly useful tool for these people too.

Those interested in learning more about the magical connection between music and memory or LifeSongs books themselves can go to www.LifeSongs.info.