This article tells how reminiscing can help an Alzheimer's patient.

How do you feel when someone asks you to tell them about yourself? How do you feel when they truly listen to your story? On the other hand, how do you feel when you are talking and someone interrupts you? How do you feel when someone walks away from you when you are in the middle of telling them something?

These questions help to give us an idea of how the Alzheimer’s patient feels. We may not realize that this person is a person and has feeling just like you and I. This person has a disease but it does not stop them from feeling insulted, frustrated, angry or sad when we ignore them or lessen the importance of what they are saying or attempting to say.

Studies have proven that people who maintain social contact feel a sense of belonging. They actually maintain better physical and mental health for a longer period of time.

So you ask what can I do? Here are a few helpful things you can do right now. Encourage the patient to talk to you. Don’t try to push them to get words out, let them do the work. It is good for them and their self esteem. Listen to them intently. Let them see how much you want to hear what they have to say. Respond in a positive way to their stories. Be an involved listener. Ask open ended questions to encourage more conversation on their part.

One way you can open up a conversation with a patient is to look around at their belongings. Do you see a picture or a knickknack or perhaps a piece of jewelry? Then ask a question such as Sue, this is an adorable wooden elephant. Is there a story behind it? I would love to hear about it. Would you tell me? This gets the ball rolling and you would be amazed at the wonderful stories you will hear. If they don’t know, then try it again later with another object.

Remember we all love to hear ourselves talk. The Alzheimer’s patient is no different. Try this idea. I think you will be glad you did.

This article is scheduled to be published in NULIFE Newspaper soon.