Alzheimer's Awareness Week

I was invited to attend the Alzheimer’s Awareness Week and duly arrived with Edwina at St Nicolas Church Hall. Some 30 people had gathered there, some of them the organisers, others the helpers and volunteers, while the others were those suffering from Alzheimer’s in varying stages of the illness. Some had been brought from home, others from the Argyles Nursing Home.

We were given a short briefing on the effects of Alzheimer’s on individuals and on how stimulation of the brain can slow down the effects. Diet, exercise and social activities such as singing, massage and homeopathy can all help the afflicted.

One of the therapists gathered everyone in a semi-circle to lead a half-hour of singing and movement. This is one method of stimulating the brain, and group activity helps to do this. She started by singing a wartime favourite “It’s a long way to Tipperary; it’s a long way to go.” Judging by the applause, this was well known by most of the people. As I looked around, those who, at the beginning had no reaction suddenly were animated not just with singing, but waving their hands about. More singing and movement followed and it was obvious that not only was it stimulating them, but they seemed to enjoying it as well.

The next session was to be head massaging but we had to leave at that point. It was a revelation to see how the therapy worked and we all should be grateful that there are so many dedicated helpers and therapists to help those with such a awful illness. Our thanks go to the organisers who invited us to this awareness session.