Alzheimers Disease International has proclaimed September as World Alzheimers Month to raise awareness and challenge the stigma associated with this disease and other dementia. Two symbols offered to represent AD are the elephant who “never forgets” and the Forget Me Not flower - so we don’t forget the need to support the patients and their caregivers as well as donate to fund research to find a cure.

Realistically we aren’t always aware of what a dementia patient remembers. Having lived with a parent and sibling with AD and a sister in law with advanced dementia as well as within my hospice volunteer experience I’ve learned that the simplest way to connect and observe moments of awareness is with MUSIC. I’ve chosen nursery rhymes, patriotic or religious melodies and songs from their favorite vocalist and all are easily available on YouTube.

Try it and offer the gift to your loved one and yourself. I hope you can experience watching that person connect with a deeply buried memory.

-Harriet