Young Children + People with Alzheimer's Disease = Victory

Have you ever seen the reaction of someone with dementia when a young child comes near? This is one of my favorite interactions to observe. Why? Because the vast majority of time, the dementia takes a back seat to the presence of the child. For me, the type of interactions I witness between someone with Alzheimer's disease and with children is one of those victorious moments in the battle against dementia. Alzheimer's disease, Lewy body dementia, vascular dementia and other types of dementia rob abilities, memories, words and so much more. But for many people, their reactions to kids remain or even intensify. Although not every person with dementia loves babies and young children, most derive great joy from watching babies smile, listening to the giggles of a two-year old, playing a game with a preschooler or hearing a 5 year-old sing a song.  That joy is why I love to watch these interactions, and why I count them as victories over dementia. Related Reading Therapeutic Benefits of Young Children for People with Dementia- Here's an article I wrote recently that looks at the research behind these benefits, the challenges associated with arranging intergenerational interactions and some suggestions on how to facilitate them. Alzheimer's Disease + Makeup Tattoo = Victory- This is one of my earliest blogs, and I love the idea it highlights. If you haven't read it, it's worth your time, in my humble opinion. It's another one of those victorious moments I describe above. Doll...
Source: About Alzheimers Disease - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news