The science behind reminiscence: Why it works for dementia
Looking back to my past
Why does reminiscing hold such power for people with dementia? The science is both fascinating and promising. While dementia affects short-term memory and cognitive abilities, long-term memories often remain intact for much longer. By tapping into these preserved memories, reminiscence therapy provides a bridge to a patient’s past and a way to bring them back into the present. This fact is what we have based our new validated digital reminiscence therapy on.
Bringing back the familiar
At the heart of this therapy is the idea of emotional connections. Familiar sights and sounds which we have built into our clips. Here are a few of our examples—the ripple of a small stream flowing over stones on our woodland walk – the sound of the rooster crowing in the morning on our farm—seeing Violet and Bluebell the two Clydesdale horses at work—visiting your local agricultural show. All are purposefully included to evoke powerful positive happy emotional responses. These stimuli activate areas of the brain associated with memory and identity, creating a ripple effect that improves mood, cognition, and communication.
Our therapy is evidence based
Research backs up these observations. Studies have shown that reminiscence therapy can reduce agitation, increase social engagement, and even improve self-esteem in people with dementia. By focusing on positive memories, this approach helps to mitigate some of the more challenging behaviours associated with dementia, such as anxiety and restlessness. All emotions you struggle to deal with on your own. We sincerely believe our therapy can help you cope better.
Most can benefit from our clips
Our reminiscence film therapy takes this a step further by combining specially customised film clips with structured guidance. Each clip is carefully chosen to reflect common experiences and cultural experience that relate to the past for the person with alzheimer’s and dementia, making them relatable and impactful for a wide range of individuals. The carer support notes included with each clip ensure that caregivers have the tools they need to maximize the therapy’s benefits. Our therapy offers topic choice, duration choice and theme choice all designed to provide you with as many care options as possible to fit within your unpredictable days and nights.
Validated by diverse experts
Endorsed by dementia care professionals and supported by evidence-based research, our therapy is a simple yet an impactful way to make a difference. It offers a non-invasive, accessible solution that can be used in various settings, from one-on-one sessions at home to group therapy in care homes or hospitals.
If you’re looking for a way to connect better and more effectively with your loved one, or to provide them with moments of peace and happiness, our reminiscence film therapy might be the answer. Let’s harness the power of the past to bring hope to the present and future.
