What do people with Alzheimer's like to watch? The best content for memory care

According to the Alzheimer's Association, more than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease. For caregivers, finding engaging activities can be challenging, which leads many to wonder: What do people with Alzheimer's like to watch? The right viewing choices can provide comfort, spark memories, and reduce agitation, making TV time a valuable tool in memory care.

Quick Summary

People with Alzheimer's often enjoy watching familiar, uplifting, and low-complexity content, such as classic TV shows, movie musicals, and nature documentaries. These choices evoke positive nostalgia, minimize confusion, and provide a calming visual and auditory experience.

Key Points

• Familiarity is Key: Nostalgic content, like classic sitcoms and old movie musicals, can spark positive memories and provide comfort.

• Prioritize Simple and Uplifting Plots: Avoid complex stories or upsetting themes that can cause confusion or anxiety. Lighthearted, positive content works best.

• Utilize Music's Power: Musicals are particularly effective because music is processed by a different part of the brain, often remaining accessible and calming.

• Consider Ambient and Sensory Videos: In later stages, calming, non-narrative videos of nature or aquariums can provide peaceful stimulation without cognitive strain.

• Watch Together and Observe Reactions: Sharing the experience fosters connection. Pay attention to their emotional response and adjust the content or duration as needed to prevent agitation.

• Avoid Overstimulation: Fast cuts, loud noises, and jarring commercials should be minimized to create a peaceful and predictable viewing environment.

Why the Right Content Matters

For individuals with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, cognitive changes can make complex plots, quick scene changes, and intense themes overwhelming. The right shows and films can reduce anxiety, stimulate positive memories, and improve mood. Selecting content based on an individual's personal history and preferences is key, but some general principles can guide the process.

Seek Familiarity and Nostalgia

Content that a person enjoyed in their youth can be incredibly comforting. Watching a beloved old film or a rerun of a favorite sitcom can tap into long-term memories that remain intact even as recent memories fade. The faces, music, and settings can feel familiar and reassuring.

Classic Sitcoms and Variety Shows

Many classic TV shows from the 1950s and 60s are excellent choices. They often feature simpler narratives, slower pacing, and a nostalgic feel that resonates deeply. The predictable and humorous nature of these shows can provide a sense of security and happiness.

• I Love Lucy: The slapstick humor and iconic characters are timeless.
• The Andy Griffith Show: Features a gentle pace and friendly, familiar small-town settings.
• The Golden Girls: For those who enjoyed shows from the 80s, the lighthearted banter can be very engaging.
• The Carol Burnett Show: The music and comedy skits are entertaining without a complicated plot.

Choose Uplifting and Simple Plots

Depression is a common symptom of Alzheimer's. Therefore, it's vital to choose content that is positive and lighthearted. Avoid anything with complex dramatic subplots, frightening scenes, or themes of loss and conflict, which can cause confusion or agitation.

• Musicals: Musicals combine pleasant music with vibrant imagery, which is very effective at calming and engaging viewers with dementia. Music is often processed differently in the brain, allowing it to bypass some cognitive impairments. Classics like The Sound of Music or Singin' in the Rain are excellent options.
• Nature Documentaries: Shows featuring soothing nature scenes, animals, or serene environments are non-confrontational and relaxing. Channels like PBS or streaming services offer many gentle options, such as documentaries on marine life or beautiful landscapes.

Consider Ambient and Sensory Content

Sometimes, a person with later-stage Alzheimer's may not be able to follow any plot, no matter how simple. In these cases, sensory-focused content can be highly beneficial. These videos are specifically designed for cognitive impairment and prioritize calming visuals and sounds over a narrative.

• Ambient Videos: These might include a continuous loop of an aquarium, a crackling fireplace, or a scenic train ride. They provide pleasing imagery without requiring any cognitive effort to follow a story.
• Music-Based Programs: Beyond traditional musicals, dedicated musical programs can be a great choice. The focus is purely on the positive and calming effects of music. Special DVDs and streaming services are available with this content.

A Comparative Look at Viewing Options

Content Type	Best For	Considerations
Classic Sitcoms	Early to mid-stage Alzheimer's, sparking conversation and memories.	Can become confusing in later stages due to dialogue complexity.
Movie Musicals	Mid-stage Alzheimer's, calming agitation and leveraging music recall.	Might require shorter viewing sessions due to length.
Nature Documentaries	Any stage, particularly when overstimulation is a concern.	Ensure narration is gentle and there are no jarring visuals.
Reality TV (talent shows)	Mid-stage, easy to follow, short segments.	The competitive aspect may be stressful for some individuals.
Ambient Videos	Later stages, calming and non-narrative stimulation.	Little to no cognitive engagement; primarily for mood regulation.

Caregiver Strategies for a Positive Viewing Experience

It’s not just what is watched, but how it is watched that matters. These strategies can enhance the experience for both the person with Alzheimer's and their caregiver.

1. Watch Together: Sharing the experience provides comfort and can open doors for conversation. You can point out familiar faces or comment on the music.
2. Keep Sessions Short: A feature-length movie may be too long. Break it up into smaller, more manageable chunks or opt for half-hour TV episodes.
3. Use DVDs or Curated Streaming: Avoid regular cable or streaming that includes potentially startling commercials or news reports. These can be confusing or distressing. Use DVDs or carefully selected channels to maintain a peaceful environment.
4. Pay Attention to Their Reaction: If your loved one becomes agitated or confused, it may be time to turn off the TV. Their emotional response is the best guide for what works and what doesn't.
5. Adjust the Volume: Hearing changes are common in older adults. Make sure the volume is comfortable for them, but not so loud that it's overwhelming.

The Importance of Personal Preference

While general guidelines are useful, the most important factor is the individual's history. Someone who loved westerns their entire life might find Bonanza more comforting than a classic musical. A person who was a lifelong baseball fan might enjoy watching old games, while a gardener might prefer a show about horticulture. Caregivers should draw on their knowledge of the individual's past interests to create the most engaging and positive experience possible.

For more resources and guidance on Alzheimer's care, the Alzheimer's Association website provides valuable support and information. Visit their official site for expert advice.

Conclusion

Choosing the right visual content for someone with Alzheimer's is a thoughtful process that prioritizes emotional comfort over complex entertainment. By focusing on familiar, nostalgic, and simple themes, caregivers can use movies and TV as a powerful tool to foster connection, calm agitation, and enhance the quality of life for their loved ones. Ultimately, the best viewing choices are those that bring a smile, a spark of recognition, or a peaceful moment to the individual living with the disease.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are new movies too confusing for people with Alzheimer's?

Yes, many modern films are too fast-paced and have complex, nonlinear narratives that can be very confusing for a person with Alzheimer's. Simple, classic films with clear plots are often better received.

Can music from old movies help people with Alzheimer's?

Absolutely. Music often has a strong connection to long-term memory. The familiar songs from movie musicals can be a powerful tool for engaging and calming individuals with Alzheimer's, even if other cognitive functions have declined.

What kind of TV shows are best for later stages of Alzheimer's?

In later stages, ambient videos without complex plots are often most effective. Options include nature documentaries, videos of aquariums, or soothing scenes of a fire. These provide calming sensory input rather than a story to follow.

How can I tell if a TV show is upsetting my loved one?

Look for signs of agitation such as fidgeting, changes in breathing, or verbal expressions of distress. If they seem confused or scared, turn the show off immediately. A positive emotional response is the best indicator of good content.

Is it better to use DVDs or streaming services for Alzheimer's patients?

Using DVDs or curated streaming content is often better than watching regular television. This avoids jarring and potentially confusing commercials, which can disrupt a peaceful viewing experience and cause anxiety.

Can watching TV alone be beneficial for someone with Alzheimer's?

While passive entertainment can be fine, watching TV together is highly recommended. It creates a shared experience and can be a good starting point for conversation, even if it's just about a familiar song or scene.

How do I choose content if my loved one has trouble expressing their preferences?

Try different types of content based on what you know about their past. Experiment with classic genres like westerns or musicals, and observe their emotional reaction. You can also incorporate music or interests you know they loved, such as gardening or animals.

Should I watch old family videos with someone who has Alzheimer's?

This can be a beautiful and powerful activity. Seeing familiar faces and happy memories can be very comforting. However, be prepared for a range of emotions, including sadness or confusion, and be ready to offer comfort and reassurance.