Festive re-runs of Christmas classics could help memories of people with dementia, says NHS

Festive re-runs of Christmas classics including The Snowman and It’s A Wonderful Life could help memories of people with dementia, says NHS

  • Repeats of festive classics can provide stimulation for people with Alzheimer’s 
  • Emotional details and reaction remain lodged in the mind and can be rekindled 
  • NHS dementia specialist Professor Alistair Burns suggested the piece of advice
  • He offered guidance for families helping a relative with dementia at Christmas 

Festive re-runs of Christmas classics such as The Snowman and It’s A Wonderful Life could help the memories of people with dementia, according to the NHS.

Familiar TV repeats and old seasonal songs can provide stimulation for people with Alzheimer’s and help keep the brain active.

TV repeats of Christmas classics such as The Snowman (above) could help the memories of people with dementia, according to the NHS 

NHS dementia specialist Professor Alistair Burns said re-watching recognisable films and singing along to old songs can help stimulate emotional memories.

Emotional details and reaction remain lodged in the mind and can be rekindled, promoting a connection with other people, according to Professor Burns, the national clinical director for dementia and older people’s mental health.

He said: ‘People with dementia might find it hard to follow convoluted conversations amid the chaos and noise of Christmas and can end up feeling excluded.

‘Gathering the family round to watch a much-loved classic film, thumbing through an old photo album.

It's A Wonderful Life starring James Stewart and Donna Reed is also a holiday classic

It’s A Wonderful Life starring James Stewart and Donna Reed is also a holiday classic

‘Playing a family game or even singing along to a favourite carol can bring people together and help everybody feel part of the fun.’ 

Professor Burns also offered advice for families helping a relative with dementia at Christmas.

He suggested spreading out family visits to keep things familiar and not overloading on food, as a full plate may prove difficult for a person with dementia who has eating difficulties.

Kathryn Smith, chief operating officer at Alzheimer’s Society, said: ‘Whether it’s an old song they used to enjoy or a classic Christmas film, reminiscing can be beneficial to someone with dementia.

‘It can help to maintain their self-esteem, confidence and sense of self, as well as improve social interactions with others.’

 

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