Reminiscence

Reminiscence & Memory Exercises

The following materials are available in the Resource Centre for loan or reference use to individuals living in the Toronto area. If you live outside of Toronto and wish to borrow materials relating to dementia, please contact the chapter in your area.

Books

The Art and Science of Reminiscing: theory, research, methods and applications.
Washington, DC: Taylor and Francis, 1995. isbn: 1560322985. BF 724.85 A78 1995.

Papers on reminiscence presented under main headings: theory, research, methods, applications. Topics covered include: adaptive processes, social construction, socialization and agentic trait factors, life history, age factors, autobiographical memory coding tool, life review, group reminiscence, reminiscence interventions, oral and written reminiscence, finding meaning.

The Book of Photos.
Salima Addetia. Scarborough, ON: Salima Addetia, 2001. BF 724.85 A32 2001.

This book of photographs has been compiled especially for reminiscence work with seniors from the South Asian community -- Indians, Pakistanis, Punjabis, Gujeratis, Burmese, Goans, Sri Lankans, and East African immigrants. Accompanying each photograph is a brief description of the item, possible uses, and its names in one or more Indo-Pak languages.

CIRCA: computer interactive reminiscence and conversation aid.
St Andrews, Scotland: University of St Andrews, 2004 BF 724.85 C57 2004.

The CIRCA (computer interactive reminiscence and conversation aid) system was designed to provide the user with a hypermedia structure for their communication and thereby create a livelier and more engaging form of joint reminiscence activity than is possible with a paper scrapbook. Evaluation of the system with people with dementia and their cargivers has shown that CIRCA helps generate conversation, facilitates increased communication from the person with dementia, and helps them to take control of the interaction. Full text also available online.

Improving Your Memory: how to remember what you're starting to forget.
Janet Fogler. Revised edition. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1994. isbn: 0801847680. BF 724.85 F64 I4 1994.

This book is designed to help those who are concerned about being forgetful improve their memory by offering an explanation of how memory works and a variety of strategies for coping with memory changes. Designed as a self help manual, the book includes easy to use memory improvement techniques, step by step descriptions of how to use strategies such as written reminders, the story method, first letter cues, and alphabet search, self assessment exercises, clear explanations of how memory changes over time, and facts about stress, nutrition, medication, depression, physical illness, and other factors that affect memory.

Instant Recall: everything you wanted to know about yourself but can't remember.
Brenda Connell. Hamilton, ON: Instant Recall, 1998. BF 724.85 I588 1998.

Activity book and memory tool to be filled in by the person with Alzheimer Disease and family members together, acts as tool to stimulate conversation, allows AD patient to become active, stimulated part of family, to plan out year and document work done around house, financial investments.

It Started With a Sea-shell: life story work and people with dementia.
Charles Murphy. Stirling, UK: Dementia Services Development Centre, University of Stirling, 1994. BF 724.85 M87 1994.

This book establishes the importance of reminiscing for people with dementia, it argues that everyone can get involved and offers practical ideas and a charter of good practice.

Life Story Books.
Katrina H Myers. Stirling, UK: Dementia Services Development Centre, University of Stirling, 1991. BF 724.85 M93 1991.

Report on life story books, what it is, what it contains, how it can be used.

The "Lost Ones": Recovering the past to help their present.
Faith Gibson. Stirling, UK: Dementia Services Development Centre, University of Stirling, 1991. BF 724.85 G52 1991.

Papers addresses using reminiscence to assist people with dementia and those who work with them, the importance of the past, ordinary reminiscence work, special reminiscence work. Full text also available online

Memories: with photographs by Gemma Levine.
London, UK: Ebury Press, 1998. isbn: 009186073. BF 724.85 M45 1998.

A collection of photographs of notable people : business leaders, politicians, artists, actors, athletes, musicians. Each individual shares a personal memory : childhood, career highlights, moments of happiness, sadness or loss, or in tribute of others who have inspired them. Created for the Alzheimer's Disease Society, UK.

The Memory Bible: an innovative strategy for keeping your brain young.
Gary Small. New York, NY: Hyperion, 2002. isbn: 0786868260. BF 724.85 S62 2002.

According to Dr. Gary Small, the director of the UCLA Center on Aging, "Great memories are not born, they are made," and The Memory Bible provides innovative memory exercises and brain fitness programs to improve your mental performance. Dr. Small's comprehensive program includes a "brain diet" of memory-enhancing foods and a list of the most effective drugs, as well as a workbook with a weekly and daily calendar.

The Memory Book.
Paul Whitby. Swindon, UK: Victoria Hospital, 2003. BF 724.85 W43 2003.

Booklet designed to help the reader get the most from their memory and from the memory of a family member or friend who may be having memory problems, whether it be caused by Mild Cognitive Impairment or dementia. Full text also available online.

The Memory Cure: how to protect your brain against memory loss and Alzheimer's Disease.
Majid Fotuhi. McGraw-Hill, 2003. 240 p. isbn: 0071409246. BF 724.85 F68 2003.

Dr. Majid Fotuhi, one of the world's foremost experts in the field of Alzheimer Disease and brain function, outlines an exciting and highly effective plan that targets each of the 13 risk factors contributing to the development of memory loss. Drawing from cutting-edge, longitudinal studies from all over the globe that have followed tens of thousands of subjects from middle life into older age, Dr. Fotuhi deciphers the patterns that are repeatedly revealed. These include the fact that lifestyle affects the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's Disease, as well as the severity of normal memory loss that accompanies the aging process. The results profoundly suggest that these conditions can be preventedregardless of genetic dispositionby addressing the crucial 13 risk factors. In addition Dr. Fotuhi's protection plan also includes seven steps to protect the brain and sharpen memory for life. Filled with tests, questionnaires, and real-life profiles, The Memory Cure offers readers specific ways to reduce their risk and increase mental agility, while providing them with an accessible and comprehensive book on the workings of the aging brain.

Memory Fitness: a guide for successful aging.
Gilles O Einstein. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2004. isbn: 0300105703 BF 724.85 E36 2004.

Gilles Einstein and Mark McDaniel, widely respected for their research and lectures on memory, explain how memory works and how memory processes change with age. Based on up-to-date and rigorous scientific evidence, they also offer techniques and strategies for improving memory in everyday life, alternatives to hard-to-use mnemonic techniques, physical and mental exercises that can enhance memory, a review of drugs and nutritional supplements touted to enhance memory, a complete discussion of Alzheimer's disease, its symptoms and risk factors, along with guidance for caregivers .

Mental Aerobics.
Nancy Lewthwaite. Victoria, BC: Mental Aerobics, 1992. BF 724.85 L49 1992.
and More Mental Aerobics.
Nancy Lewthwaite. Victoria, BC: Mental Aerobics, 1993. BF 724.85 L49 1993.

Manuals are idea/resourcebooks of mentally stimulating activities suitable for group activities, educational, recreational, family or social settings. Includes instructions on: word games,grammatical games, brainstormings, international activities, news related activities, special holidays and seasonal activities, memory games, etc

Reminiscing Kits.
Regina, SK: Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan, 1997. BF 724.85 R45 1997.

Booklet lists items for several thematic kits that can be put together to be used as reminiscing tools. Examples: seasons, holidays, significant personal events, hobbies.

Teaching Memory Improvement to Adults.
Janet Fogler. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1994. Revised edn. isbn: 0801847699. BF 724.85 F64 T4 1994.

This manual is designed as a self-paced guidebook or a text for a memory course to help older adults understand and improve their memories. It is based on the understanding of how memory works and changes with age, and provides some concrete strategies for tackling the areas of memory that give the reader the most problems.

A Therapy Technique for Improving Memory: Spaced Retrieval.
Jennifer A Brush &Cameron J Camp. Beachwood, OH: Menorah Park Center for Senior Living, 1998. isbn: 096763430x. BF 724.85 B78 1998

Spaced retrieval (SR) is a memory intervention that gives individuals practice at successfully recalling information over progressively longer intervals of time. SR can be used to help teach things such as swallowing safety, the use of a daily calendar, and to help reduce anxiety by providing the answers to repetitive questions. The authors believe that through the use of SR, persons with dementia, will become more independent, happier and lead more productive lives. The manual offers a general discussion of how memory as applied to SR works and how research has demonstrated the effectiveness of SR. An overview of applications of SR is provided in the areas of speech-language pathology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, music and art therapy, and its use by family caregivers and health care workers. The authors give helpful hints and guidelines for the most effective manner for implementing SR and correcting errors to ensure the retention of information. A screening tool is included that should be used before SR training is started in order to determine the appropriateness of this technique for each individual. Dialogues are provided for use in SR training exercises to remember a room number, to reduce repetitive questioning, for compensatory swallowing and voice techniques, for the use of wheelchair brakes, to increase stride length and for the proper use of a walker. Detailed instructions are given on how to best tailor the program to meet the specific needs of each individual and data sheets are provided for keeping track of progress towards specific goals. This manual is intended as a tool for those wishing to use SR in either the home or health care setting

Videos

Favorite Canadian Memories.
Salt Lake City, UT: Innovative Caregiving Resources, 1996. 35 min. Vid GV 184 V52F 1996.

Video presents vignettes of Canadian memories -- childhood songs, national anthem, Canadian life and tradition, stories of important Canadian events such as Expo '67, Hockey Night in Canada, winter, snow, hot chocolate, ends with sing-a-long.

Favorite Things.
Salt Lake City, UT: Innovative Caregiving Resources, 1994. 33 min. Vid GV 184 V52F 1994.

The facilitator shows the viewers enjoyable stimulus items and asks questions and makes comments to which the audience can respond. Visits to the vegetable garden, with a dog, and a baby invite the audience to participate. The facilitator gives positive responses to the audience. After a conversation about Christmas and songs the facilitator ends the program with an invitation to visit again.

Learning, Memory, and Speed of Behaviour. Oakville, ON: Magic Lantern, 1993. 60 min. Vid BF 724.85 L42 1993.

Video explores what happens to the mental capacities of aging individuals and examines techniques used to maintain and augment mental functioning, Elderly people explain why lifelong learning is crucial.

Using Spaced Retrieval as a Therapeutic Technique During the Rehabilitative Process.
Tucson, AZ: National Center for Neurogenic Communication Disorders, 1998 Vid BF 724.85 B78 1998.

Jennifer Brush and Cameron Camp discuss their technique of memory training, Spaced Retrieval, with Kathryn Bayles acting as moderator of the discussion. The purpose of this video is to discuss the different types of memory - declarative and procedural, to describe the Spaced Retrieval technique, suggest applications of Spaced Retrieval during a treatment session, and discuss the clinical implications of Spaced Retrieval research.

Memory Games

Reminiscing .
Brandon, MB: New Initiatives, nd. Remin Kit 001.

Board game for the elderly to reminisce with those who care for them and about them. Game cards cover the following themes: stories, word association, occupations, animals, sports, geography, nursery rhymes, famous people, proverbs, and general knowledge.

Tell Me A Story.
Forest Knolls, CA: Elder Books, 1997. 56 cue cards. BF 724.85 T4 1997.

A simple reminiscence tool for visitors as well as family and professional caregivers who find it difficult to initiate conversation with the person with Alzheimer Disease. The set consists of 56 idea cards designed specifically to encourage communication through reminiscence, story telling and some role play.

	The Art and Science of Reminiscing: theory, research, methods and applications. Washington, DC: Taylor and Francis, 1995. isbn: 1560322985. BF 724.85 A78 1995. Papers on reminiscence presented under main headings: theory, research, methods, applications. Topics covered include: adaptive processes, social construction, socialization and agentic trait factors, life history, age factors, autobiographical memory coding tool, life review, group reminiscence, reminiscence interventions, oral and written reminiscence, finding meaning.
	The Book of Photos. Salima Addetia. Scarborough, ON: Salima Addetia, 2001. BF 724.85 A32 2001. This book of photographs has been compiled especially for reminiscence work with seniors from the South Asian community -- Indians, Pakistanis, Punjabis, Gujeratis, Burmese, Goans, Sri Lankans, and East African immigrants. Accompanying each photograph is a brief description of the item, possible uses, and its names in one or more Indo-Pak languages.
	CIRCA: computer interactive reminiscence and conversation aid. St Andrews, Scotland: University of St Andrews, 2004 BF 724.85 C57 2004. The CIRCA (computer interactive reminiscence and conversation aid) system was designed to provide the user with a hypermedia structure for their communication and thereby create a livelier and more engaging form of joint reminiscence activity than is possible with a paper scrapbook. Evaluation of the system with people with dementia and their cargivers has shown that CIRCA helps generate conversation, facilitates increased communication from the person with dementia, and helps them to take control of the interaction. Full text also available online.
	Improving Your Memory: how to remember what you're starting to forget. Janet Fogler. Revised edition. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1994. isbn: 0801847680. BF 724.85 F64 I4 1994. This book is designed to help those who are concerned about being forgetful improve their memory by offering an explanation of how memory works and a variety of strategies for coping with memory changes. Designed as a self help manual, the book includes easy to use memory improvement techniques, step by step descriptions of how to use strategies such as written reminders, the story method, first letter cues, and alphabet search, self assessment exercises, clear explanations of how memory changes over time, and facts about stress, nutrition, medication, depression, physical illness, and other factors that affect memory.
	Instant Recall: everything you wanted to know about yourself but can't remember. Brenda Connell. Hamilton, ON: Instant Recall, 1998. BF 724.85 I588 1998. Activity book and memory tool to be filled in by the person with Alzheimer Disease and family members together, acts as tool to stimulate conversation, allows AD patient to become active, stimulated part of family, to plan out year and document work done around house, financial investments.
	It Started With a Sea-shell: life story work and people with dementia. Charles Murphy. Stirling, UK: Dementia Services Development Centre, University of Stirling, 1994. BF 724.85 M87 1994. This book establishes the importance of reminiscing for people with dementia, it argues that everyone can get involved and offers practical ideas and a charter of good practice.
	Life Story Books. Katrina H Myers. Stirling, UK: Dementia Services Development Centre, University of Stirling, 1991. BF 724.85 M93 1991. Report on life story books, what it is, what it contains, how it can be used.
	The "Lost Ones": Recovering the past to help their present. Faith Gibson. Stirling, UK: Dementia Services Development Centre, University of Stirling, 1991. BF 724.85 G52 1991. Papers addresses using reminiscence to assist people with dementia and those who work with them, the importance of the past, ordinary reminiscence work, special reminiscence work. Full text also available online
	Memories: with photographs by Gemma Levine. London, UK: Ebury Press, 1998. isbn: 009186073. BF 724.85 M45 1998. A collection of photographs of notable people : business leaders, politicians, artists, actors, athletes, musicians. Each individual shares a personal memory : childhood, career highlights, moments of happiness, sadness or loss, or in tribute of others who have inspired them. Created for the Alzheimer's Disease Society, UK.
	The Memory Bible: an innovative strategy for keeping your brain young. Gary Small. New York, NY: Hyperion, 2002. isbn: 0786868260. BF 724.85 S62 2002. According to Dr. Gary Small, the director of the UCLA Center on Aging, "Great memories are not born, they are made," and The Memory Bible provides innovative memory exercises and brain fitness programs to improve your mental performance. Dr. Small's comprehensive program includes a "brain diet" of memory-enhancing foods and a list of the most effective drugs, as well as a workbook with a weekly and daily calendar.
	The Memory Book. Paul Whitby. Swindon, UK: Victoria Hospital, 2003. BF 724.85 W43 2003. Booklet designed to help the reader get the most from their memory and from the memory of a family member or friend who may be having memory problems, whether it be caused by Mild Cognitive Impairment or dementia. Full text also available online.
	The Memory Cure: how to protect your brain against memory loss and Alzheimer's Disease. Majid Fotuhi. McGraw-Hill, 2003. 240 p. isbn: 0071409246. BF 724.85 F68 2003. Dr. Majid Fotuhi, one of the world's foremost experts in the field of Alzheimer Disease and brain function, outlines an exciting and highly effective plan that targets each of the 13 risk factors contributing to the development of memory loss. Drawing from cutting-edge, longitudinal studies from all over the globe that have followed tens of thousands of subjects from middle life into older age, Dr. Fotuhi deciphers the patterns that are repeatedly revealed. These include the fact that lifestyle affects the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's Disease, as well as the severity of normal memory loss that accompanies the aging process. The results profoundly suggest that these conditions can be preventedregardless of genetic dispositionby addressing the crucial 13 risk factors. In addition Dr. Fotuhi's protection plan also includes seven steps to protect the brain and sharpen memory for life. Filled with tests, questionnaires, and real-life profiles, The Memory Cure offers readers specific ways to reduce their risk and increase mental agility, while providing them with an accessible and comprehensive book on the workings of the aging brain.
	Memory Fitness: a guide for successful aging. Gilles O Einstein. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2004. isbn: 0300105703 BF 724.85 E36 2004. Gilles Einstein and Mark McDaniel, widely respected for their research and lectures on memory, explain how memory works and how memory processes change with age. Based on up-to-date and rigorous scientific evidence, they also offer techniques and strategies for improving memory in everyday life, alternatives to hard-to-use mnemonic techniques, physical and mental exercises that can enhance memory, a review of drugs and nutritional supplements touted to enhance memory, a complete discussion of Alzheimer's disease, its symptoms and risk factors, along with guidance for caregivers .
	Mental Aerobics. Nancy Lewthwaite. Victoria, BC: Mental Aerobics, 1992. BF 724.85 L49 1992. and More Mental Aerobics. Nancy Lewthwaite. Victoria, BC: Mental Aerobics, 1993. BF 724.85 L49 1993. Manuals are idea/resourcebooks of mentally stimulating activities suitable for group activities, educational, recreational, family or social settings. Includes instructions on: word games,grammatical games, brainstormings, international activities, news related activities, special holidays and seasonal activities, memory games, etc
	Reminiscing Kits. Regina, SK: Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan, 1997. BF 724.85 R45 1997. Booklet lists items for several thematic kits that can be put together to be used as reminiscing tools. Examples: seasons, holidays, significant personal events, hobbies.
	Teaching Memory Improvement to Adults. Janet Fogler. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1994. Revised edn. isbn: 0801847699. BF 724.85 F64 T4 1994. This manual is designed as a self-paced guidebook or a text for a memory course to help older adults understand and improve their memories. It is based on the understanding of how memory works and changes with age, and provides some concrete strategies for tackling the areas of memory that give the reader the most problems.
	A Therapy Technique for Improving Memory: Spaced Retrieval. Jennifer A Brush &Cameron J Camp. Beachwood, OH: Menorah Park Center for Senior Living, 1998. isbn: 096763430x. BF 724.85 B78 1998 Spaced retrieval (SR) is a memory intervention that gives individuals practice at successfully recalling information over progressively longer intervals of time. SR can be used to help teach things such as swallowing safety, the use of a daily calendar, and to help reduce anxiety by providing the answers to repetitive questions. The authors believe that through the use of SR, persons with dementia, will become more independent, happier and lead more productive lives. The manual offers a general discussion of how memory as applied to SR works and how research has demonstrated the effectiveness of SR. An overview of applications of SR is provided in the areas of speech-language pathology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, music and art therapy, and its use by family caregivers and health care workers. The authors give helpful hints and guidelines for the most effective manner for implementing SR and correcting errors to ensure the retention of information. A screening tool is included that should be used before SR training is started in order to determine the appropriateness of this technique for each individual. Dialogues are provided for use in SR training exercises to remember a room number, to reduce repetitive questioning, for compensatory swallowing and voice techniques, for the use of wheelchair brakes, to increase stride length and for the proper use of a walker. Detailed instructions are given on how to best tailor the program to meet the specific needs of each individual and data sheets are provided for keeping track of progress towards specific goals. This manual is intended as a tool for those wishing to use SR in either the home or health care setting

	Favorite Canadian Memories. Salt Lake City, UT: Innovative Caregiving Resources, 1996. 35 min. Vid GV 184 V52F 1996. Video presents vignettes of Canadian memories -- childhood songs, national anthem, Canadian life and tradition, stories of important Canadian events such as Expo '67, Hockey Night in Canada, winter, snow, hot chocolate, ends with sing-a-long.
	Favorite Things. Salt Lake City, UT: Innovative Caregiving Resources, 1994. 33 min. Vid GV 184 V52F 1994. The facilitator shows the viewers enjoyable stimulus items and asks questions and makes comments to which the audience can respond. Visits to the vegetable garden, with a dog, and a baby invite the audience to participate. The facilitator gives positive responses to the audience. After a conversation about Christmas and songs the facilitator ends the program with an invitation to visit again.
	Learning, Memory, and Speed of Behaviour. Oakville, ON: Magic Lantern, 1993. 60 min. Vid BF 724.85 L42 1993. Video explores what happens to the mental capacities of aging individuals and examines techniques used to maintain and augment mental functioning, Elderly people explain why lifelong learning is crucial.
	Using Spaced Retrieval as a Therapeutic Technique During the Rehabilitative Process. Tucson, AZ: National Center for Neurogenic Communication Disorders, 1998 Vid BF 724.85 B78 1998. Jennifer Brush and Cameron Camp discuss their technique of memory training, Spaced Retrieval, with Kathryn Bayles acting as moderator of the discussion. The purpose of this video is to discuss the different types of memory - declarative and procedural, to describe the Spaced Retrieval technique, suggest applications of Spaced Retrieval during a treatment session, and discuss the clinical implications of Spaced Retrieval research.