Shared reading offers connection and comfort
Many individuals with dementia find comfort and enjoyment in being read to, even as their ability to read independently declines. This activity provides a structured, predictable routine that can be very soothing, reducing anxiety and agitation. Reading aloud together creates a shared experience, reinforcing the human connection between the person with dementia and their caregiver or family member. It’s a simple, intimate activity that can replace a sense of isolation with warmth and companionship.
Benefits of reading aloud for individuals with dementia
- Cognitive stimulation: While complex plotlines may be difficult to follow, the act of processing language and listening to a story still engages various parts of the brain involved with attention and emotion. This form of mental exercise helps preserve cognitive function and language skills for a longer time.
- Evokes memories and reminiscing: Familiar stories, poems, and subjects can trigger positive, nostalgic memories, which are often stored in more resilient parts of the long-term memory. These moments of reminiscence can spark conversation and a sense of self.
- Enhances emotional well-being: Shared reading can be a deeply calming and emotionally fulfilling experience. It provides a peaceful escape from the daily struggles of memory loss and confusion, leading to reduced stress and a more peaceful mood.
- Supports verbal communication: Reading aloud together provides a natural prompt for communication. Pausing to discuss images or ask simple, open-ended questions can encourage expression and interaction, supporting language skills.
How to make reading sessions successful
For a reading session to be enjoyable, it's important to adapt the approach to the individual's needs and preferences. This involves being mindful of the environment, the materials, and the way you interact.
Choose the right reading materials
Selecting appropriate reading material is crucial to keeping a person with dementia engaged and preventing frustration.
Here are some suggestions:
- Adapted books: A growing category of literature, these books feature large print, simple text, and engaging photographs instead of complex plots. Examples include books from authors like Emma Rose Sparrow and publishers like Sunny Street Books.
- Short stories and poems: Short and familiar content is easier to follow and requires less focus. For those with advanced dementia, well-known proverbs or nursery rhymes can be comforting.
- Non-fiction on familiar topics: If the person enjoyed certain hobbies like gardening or cooking, books with simple descriptions and photographs on these subjects can be very engaging.
- Photo albums: Looking through family photo albums while narrating stories and memories can be a powerful and meaningful form of shared reading and reminiscing.
Create a calming environment
Just as important as the material is the setting where you read together. An optimal environment will minimize distractions and maximize comfort.
Consider these tips:
- Find a quiet space: Choose a calm, comfortable room away from noise and activity, such as a television or radio.
- Ensure good lighting: Make sure the area is well-lit to reduce eye strain, especially with large-print materials.
- Schedule consistent reading times: Incorporating reading into a daily routine, such as after a meal or before bed, can create a sense of predictability and security.
Comparing reading styles for dementia care
| Reading Style | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading Aloud | All stages of dementia, especially mid-to-late stages | Promotes companionship and interaction. Allows for pausing and discussion. Provides gentle cognitive and emotional stimulation. | Requires a dedicated caregiver. Effectiveness depends on the reader's pace and tone. |
| Independent Reading | Early-to-moderate stages | Fosters a sense of autonomy and dignity. Provides private, quiet enjoyment. | Can become frustrating as cognitive abilities decline. Individuals may lose track of the plot and give up. |
| Group Reading | Socially engaged individuals, often in care facilities | Increases social interaction and community. Can prompt discussion and reminiscing among peers. | May be overstimulating for some individuals. Less personalized than one-on-one sessions. |
| Audiobooks | Individuals with vision issues or difficulty holding books | Accessible alternative that removes the physical strain of reading. Can be paired with visuals. | Lacks the personal connection and interaction of reading aloud. Can be challenging for some individuals to follow without visual cues. |
How to interact during a reading session
Interaction is what truly brings the experience to life and distinguishes it from simply listening to a story. The reader acts as a bridge to the material, facilitating connection and comprehension.
Tips for interaction:
- Pause and reflect: Stop occasionally to look at pictures, comment on a passage, or invite personal reflections. For example, a picture of a park might prompt you to say, "That reminds me of the time we had a picnic at the park. Do you remember that?".
- Adapt to the person's mood: Some days, the person may be more engaged, while on others, they might be more withdrawn. Be patient and flexible, and don't push the activity if they seem agitated.
- Prioritize enjoyment over comprehension: The goal is to provide a positive, comforting experience, not to test their memory. It's okay if they don't remember the full story; the moment of connection is what matters most.
- Incorporate other senses: Add a multisensory element by showing a related item, like a garden tool when reading a book about gardening, to enhance engagement.
Conclusion
For those caring for a loved one with cognitive decline, the question, do people with dementia like to be read to? is answered with a resounding yes, provided the experience is tailored to their needs. Shared reading is a powerful tool for maintaining connection, reducing anxiety, and stimulating cognitive function. By choosing the right materials, creating a peaceful environment, and focusing on gentle, patient interaction, caregivers can transform a simple activity into a cherished and meaningful routine that enriches the lives of both the person with dementia and their loved ones.
Authoritative resource
For more resources and guidance on adapting activities for people with memory loss, the Alzheimer's Association offers comprehensive support and information.
Lists for quick takeaways
- Choosing Materials: Select large-print books, short stories, poems, or photo albums based on the individual's interests and stage of dementia.
- Creating Environment: Ensure the reading space is quiet, well-lit, and comfortable to minimize distractions and promote relaxation.
- Reading Aloud Technique: Read slowly, use a gentle tone, and pause frequently to allow time for the individual to process and respond.
- Promoting Interaction: Ask simple, open-ended questions about images or past memories to foster conversation and connection.
- Prioritizing Joy: Focus on the emotional well-being and pleasure of the moment rather than testing memory or comprehension.
- Beneficial Outcomes: Reading aloud provides cognitive stimulation, reduces anxiety, improves mood, and strengthens the bond between caregiver and patient.
- Adapting to Decline: As the disease progresses, shift from complex stories to simpler picture books or familiar materials to prevent frustration.
