Nostalgic therapy helps elderly people with dementia calm their emotions

In response to the International Dementia Month, the Taiwan Dementia Association held the "Nine Years of Memories - Summer Nostalgic Market" event today on the 15th, allowing the elderly with dementia to relive the taste of children's toys from the past. , children's food. Qiu Mingzhang, chairman of the Dementia Association and a neurologist at National Taiwan University Hospital, said that "nostalgia" can help stabilize the mood of elderly people with dementia, and it also has some help with cognitive function. In addition to drugs, it is an effective auxiliary to delay the progression of dementia. Law. Many elderly people come to the nostalgia market to relive ancient children's games such as marbles. (Photography/Zhang Yawen)

Dr. Qiu Mingzhang reminded that the most important way to delay the progression of dementia is early screening. All treatment methods have the best effect on patients with early-stage dementia. The Dementia Association also called on all sectors of society to use love to fill the memory gaps of the elderly with dementia through the "Putting the Love Puzzle" ceremony today.

The Dementia Association operates a mutual-aid home, providing a place for the elderly and their families to relax. The decoration is full of nostalgic style. (Photography/Zhang Yawen)

The Dementia Association has vigorously promoted the concept of nostalgia therapy in recent years. Dr. Qiu Mingzhang said that the short-term memory of elders with dementia disintegrates quickly, but the long-term memory is relatively intact, so nostalgia The purpose is to provide them with some familiar things that can make them feel more stable. In the process of sharing memories, they will get some support, enhance their cognitive functions, and generate self-confidence. The functions are multiple.

The Dementia Association held a nostalgic market today at the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park. Many families came to participate with their children and the elderly. Many elderly people relived ancient children's games such as playing marbles and kneading dough figures. Dr. Qiu Mingzhang pointed out that nostalgia can also be carried out at home. For example, the "Mutual Help Family" created by the Alzheimer's Association for the elderly with dementia is designed with this concept in mind, allowing the elderly and their families to come and relax.

Tang Liyu, secretary-general of the Dementia Association, said that since the "Mutual Help Family" demonstration site was opened in Minsheng Apartment, it has been widely praised. In order to serve more patients and their families, the Association has also actively contacted and developed new sites. , but were stuck on the rent issue. She tactfully stated that the association did not have extra funds to pay the rent, and hoped that kind-hearted people would provide opportunities for charity cooperation.