Video Diaries Help Dementia Patients Recover Memories

A recent study from the University of Alberta in Edmonton has found that digital diaries which include family photos and recorded details about the images can help patients with dementia recover memories and fight cognitive decline.

According to the Edmonton Sun,  participants worked with researchers to create video storytelling diaries;  selecting pictures, music and narrating their creations.  By delving into the project, volunteers with Alzheimer’s were able to uncover memories long forgotten and in the process exercise their cognitive abilities.   A larger is study is planned for Vancouver and Toronto to help create more video diaries for people with dementia.  By agreeing to work on the projects, dementia patients can better face their condition and accept help on the journey.  Recording memories to share with friends and family can become a useful and joyful tool as the disease progresses and social interaction can become strained.

In Canada, nearly 564,000 people are living with dementia and within just 15 years that number is expected to reach 927,000.  Not only are researchers searching for ways to prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias,  they are also looking for better and more innovative approaches to caring for those with dementia.

To learn more about the benefits of creating a video storytelling diary with a loved-one who has dementia, visit the University of Alberta website by following this link.