Instead of feeling like I was delivering something helpful, I was beginning to feel like I was the agent of doom wherever I went.....By Max Wallack
Alzheimer's Reading Room
I was very happy to read today’s article in the Cape Cod Times, Art Stimulates Conversation With Alzheimer’s Patients.
Last year, the Alzheimer’s Services of Cape Cod and the Islands began a program using art to trigger memories. Suzanne Faith, the director of client services at the organization said,
“Often we store information in our brains as pictures. So when somebody sees a visual image, the image can stimulate the mind to open the door to memory rather than words.”
Ms. Faith was inspired to start this program after reading about Dr. Zeisel, the president of Heathstone Alzheimer’s Family Foundation. Dr. Zeisel had collaborated with the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, and he had begun a program there for people with dementia. This program was so well received that MetLife Foundation awarded it a grant of $450,000 to expand nationwide.
(I heard Dr. Zeisel speak. He is committed to helping Alzheimer’s patients. His passion is contagious to his audience.)
Ms. Faith goes on to say that there are 8,500 diagnosed dementia patients in her area. Fortunately, there are also many artists in that area.
Twelve different museums and art galleries are participating in the new art program. Groups are limited to 10 individuals, and they ask “sensory-stimulating questions” like asking people what they like about a particular painting.
One museum has an exhibit of a photographer’s photos from the 50’s and 60’s. Another will have hands-on displays of shells.
Ms. Faith is looking for additional museums and art galleries who wish to participate, and she is also offering a training session in May.
One day last summer, I spent the entire day delivering puzzles to that area. In fact, I delivered to six facilities in Plymouth. I found the abundance of Alzheimer’s patients in that not-so-heavily-populated area, a bit strange. My entire experience there was strange. Here is the summary I wrote, that day in July, 2009, about my experience:
Today, we went south to Plymouth. I saw Plymouth Rock. Then, I began delivering puzzles. It was a strange day.
First location: We pulled up and there was a fire engine and an ambulance there. As I walked in, they were carrying someone out. No one was available at the front desk. I left my puzzles with a note.
Second location: We pulled up and we heard sirens. As I walked in, the ambulance arrived. Everyone inside was running around busy and some people were screaming. I left my puzzles with a nurse.
Third location: We pulled up and as we pulled in, we saw an ambulance pull out. I delivered my puzzles to a secretary.
Fourth location: We pulled up and a fire engine rushed in in the opposite direction on the turn around. We had to back out the whole way and pull around the back. I left my puzzles at the reception desk.
Fifth location: We didn't see any emergency vehicles, but when I went inside I could hear an alarm ringing. As we left, an ambulance was pulling around back.
Sixth location: All looked calm. We parked in front. A woman came running out and said we have to move quickly because they just called 911. Then a fire engine and the fire chief and an ambulance arrived. By then, I was actually beginning to recognize some of the firemen. I wondered if they noticed me and wondered why they kept being called wherever I went! I actually never delivered to that place.
Seventh location: right next to location six. It was a building specifically for Alzheimer's patients, so I delivered all the puzzles for buildings 6 and 7 to them!
Instead of feeling like I was delivering something helpful, I was beginning to feel like I was the agent of doom wherever I went. It was a strange day!
Max Wallack is a student at Boston University Academy. His great grandmother, Gertrude Finkelstein, suffered from Alzheimer's disease. Max is the founder of PUZZLES TO REMEMBER , a 501(c.)3 charitable organization. PUZZLES TO REMEMBER is a project that provides puzzles to nursing homes and other institutions that care for Alzheimer's and dementia patients.
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Original content Max Wallack, the Alzheimer's Reading Room
