Moments of Significance

Kudos to my friends, Karen and Tom Brenner who are looking at Alzheimers through a different lens.   At the 20th Annual Alzheimers Education Conference, they presented their findings on using educational principles developed by Maria Montessori with patients with Alzheimers. Maria Montessori saw the connection between the hands and the brain and understood the power of incorporating the senses into learning.  For patients with Alzheimers, the Brenner's are seeing that holding an object that has some real-world significance for the patient often stimulates a memory that helps to lift the fog and for a moment brings the patient pleasure and comfort.   Success is measured by  "moments of connection and communication." Karen tells lovely stories about her work in this area; stories of people that she holds in high regard.

Someday I may be a person with Alzheimers.  I hope someone hands me a few large, colorful, beautiful beads...