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My mother died of a stroke in 2004 as a result of TIA dementia. For at least ten years prior to her death, mini-strokes slowly reduced her ability to function on all levels, particularly on a cognitive (mental) level. I remember a particular afternoon when Mom and I were sitting side-by-side on her living room sofa looking at a calendar in which she had written down important birthdays and anniversaries.
We not only looked at the monthly picture and oohed and aahed over the beauty and colors, but I also quizzed her as to the significance of the date. I would point at my birth date and ask, “Whose birthday is January 23? January 26? (her birthday).” And on through the calendar we went.
Little did I know at the time, how much I was encouraging positive interaction with, and stimulation of, her brain.
Recently, I was provided a review copy of Let’s Look Together: An Interactive Picture Book for People with Alzheimer’s and Other Forms of Memory Loss, by Rae-Lynn Cebul Ziegler. Mrs. Ziegler is a licensed occupational therapist based in Wake Forest, North Carolina who created this book as a way to connect with her own mother, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
I was thrilled to see this picture book provided an opportunity to reach someone at a deeper level, similar to what Mom and I were doing on our own.
The introductory chapter of Let’s Look Together offers information regarding the background and theory of why the book was developed, as well as detailed information regarding how the book can benefit those with cognitive disabilities.
The next section is a user’s guide that includes tips on how to use the pictures, secrets for successful communication with the person you are working with, and use page of suggested questions you can use to engage the person while looking at the photographs. This valuable information takes up the first eleven pages.
Most of the rest of the fifty-eight page book are pictures, one on each page, that are the key to stimulating the brain. There are no words on any of the pages containing pictures, and the pictures are only on the right hand page, the left side of each page is blank. That way the person can only see the one picture for better stimulation of the brain and less confusion as to which picture to view.
The pages of Let’s Look Together are glossy and the images on each page are simple and clear. All are photographs of people, a few with pets, many of children. The author comments that people respond to the human face, particularly to children and babies.
This book was developed specifically to “wake up” the brain of the person who is struggling with Alzheimer’s or other cognitive impairment so they can interact and respond with the caregiver.
I strongly recommend this wonderful interactive picture book for anyone who has contact with a person struggling with Alzheimer’s or other form of memory loss, so that their brain can be stimulated and encouraged to continue to interact with those around them. The book is filled with easy to understand detail behind the concept, as well as clear, colorful photographs of children and adults that will draw the attention of your loved one.
A special thank you goes to HealthProPress for providing a complimentary review copy of Let’s Look Together. If you would like to purchase a copy, the book is available at Amazon.com or through your local bookstore.
