**The Power of Poetry in Alzheimer’s Care**
Alzheimer’s disease is a condition that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It can make everyday tasks challenging, and communication becomes increasingly difficult. However, there is a way to connect with people living with Alzheimer’s that goes beyond words: poetry.
### How Poetry Helps
Poetry is more than just a form of art; it’s a powerful tool for communication and expression. For people with Alzheimer’s, poetry can be a bridge between their past and present, helping them to remember and express themselves in ways that other forms of communication might not.
#### The Alzheimer’s Poetry Project
The Alzheimer’s Poetry Project (APP) is an initiative that uses poetry to improve the quality of life for people living with dementia. Founded by poet Gary Glazner, the project aims to value and support the creativity of individuals with memory impairments. By encouraging creative expression through poetry, APP helps people with Alzheimer’s to feel valued and understood.
#### A Personal Story
A 92-year-old former ballet dancer with dementia wrote a poem that has touched many hearts. The poem, which speaks of dancing and being a dancer made of song, is a testament to the power of poetry in Alzheimer’s care. This woman, despite her condition, was able to express her inner self through poetry, reminding us that creativity and memory are intertwined.
### The Benefits of Poetry
Poetry offers several benefits for people with Alzheimer’s:
1. **Communication**: Poetry allows individuals to express their feelings and thoughts in a way that is both personal and meaningful. It can be a safer and more natural way to communicate, especially for those who struggle with verbal expression.
2. **Memory Recall**: Poetry can trigger memories and emotions from the past, helping individuals to recall moments and experiences they might have forgotten.
3. **Self-Expression**: Poetry provides a platform for self-expression, which is crucial for maintaining a sense of identity and dignity.
4. **Emotional Healing**: The act of creating or listening to poetry can be therapeutic, providing comfort and emotional healing.
### Examples of Poetry in Alzheimer’s Care
– **The Trebus Project**: This study in Great Britain found that elderly dementia patients retained vivid memories of their earlier lives, even if they had short-term memory loss. This highlights the potential of poetry to tap into long-term memory and facilitate communication.
– **Personal Stories**: Poems like “My Mother Goes to The Poor House” by Patricia VanAmburg, which explores her mother’s past and the history of poor houses, demonstrate how poetry can be used to reconstruct and share personal stories.
### Conclusion
Poetry is not just a form of art; it’s a powerful tool for communication and expression in Alzheimer’s care. By valuing and supporting the creativity of individuals with memory impairments, we can improve their quality of life and help them connect with their past and present. Whether it’s through the Alzheimer’s Poetry Project or personal stories, poetry shows us that even in the face of Alzheimer’s, there is still beauty and meaning to be found.
In the words of the 92-year-old former ballet dancer, “I am still a dancer made of song.” This simple yet powerful statement reminds us of the enduring power of poetry in Alzheimer’s care.
