Memory Clubs Offer Benefits to Dementia Patients

Memory Clubs for Dementia

More and more, dementia patients are turning to Memory Clubs, a popular and successful form of Reminiscence Therapy.  This therapy involves clubs or social groups forming around shared and intense interests in which participants may discuss their opinions, experiences and feelings.  The focus of these groups could be sports like baseball and soccer or hobbies like gardening or art.  Consequently, participants get to focus on topics in which they are knowledgeable and passionate, giving them an enjoyable social activity.

Reminiscence Therapy

Reminiscence Therapy is a therapy that focuses on reflection and not simply recall.  Discussions are different from that which would typically occur in casual conversation. Reminiscence therapy may use prompts such as photographs, music, personal recordings or familiar items from the past to encourage discussion of earlier memories.  So, the demand cognitively is deeper and discussions are more meaningful to the participant.

For the elderly who suffer from dementia, Memory Clubs can be a lifesaver. Moreover, as a pathway for Reminiscence Therapy, they are beneficial to improving cognitive function and quality of life.  Dementia is a broad term that describes a condition of declined mental ability that interferes with daily life.  Often, we think of it as memory loss affecting our elderly population.  While there is no cure for dementia, there are some treatments that have proven helpful.

Cognitive & Social Benefits for Dementia Patients 

Participants in these Memory Clubs report both cognitive and social benefits.  Furthermore, they show improvement in memory and language abilities.  Moreover, they seem to have a stronger sense of self and improved positive mood, thereby improving their social situation.  And, this is all provided by an enjoyable social activity at a time when opportunities for meaningful socialization decline, often leaving our elderly with feelings of isolation.  Overall, Memory Clubs are a very low budget and a potentially beneficial way to treat and enrich the lives of our elderly dementia population.

In 2013, the St. Louis Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association formed the Cardinals Reminiscence League.  This group meets twice monthly for discussions, field trips, guest speakers and baseball related movie viewings.  And, because there is minimal training required for volunteers, there are many opportunities for family members to volunteer and share in the lives of their aging loved ones.

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