You hear someone singing, and the camera pans over to it. It's Anne (27), wearing headphones, dancing and singing along in French. "Je veux être libre" (I want to be free).
Anne (61) lives in a group and is sitting at the dining table with her caregiver, Manon. "What do you want to hear?" Manon asks. "Oh yes, you like Laissez-moi danser." As soon as the first notes sound, Anne sings and moves along enthusiastically.
Anne (just turned 63) walks, singing, hand in hand with Laurine, who sings along. Anne alternates between a rhythmic "Soreh ash ash ash" and "Aweh aweh aweh." They walk and sing along to the rhythm. Anne points ahead. Then they encounter Linda.
Anne (63 years and four months) is sitting on the couch. Leendert, sitting opposite her, is holding her hands. He starts singing "Long May She Live." Anne doesn't respond, but after "hip hip hip," she joins in with "hurray."
The theme of this teaching material is apathy. In someone with dementia, language use, including singing, declines. This case demonstrates that familiar music can evoke a response and activate someone. .
The case “I am Anne” explores Anne’s life story and the onset of her dementia, including early signs such as getting lost. It also provides important context for the other cases; therefore, it is recommended to watch I am Anne again.
Share this case with others
There are different ways to activate someone with dementia. For example, by walking, playing games, making or listening to music, and reminiscing. It's important to know which activities suit the person's wishes and needs (life story), but also to connect with the person's stage of dementia.
What works and what does not varies from person to person and from moment to moment; outcomes are often unpredictable.
As a professional or informal caregiver, you are responsible for finding the most appropriate approach. Along the way, you will frequently encounter questions, often with ethical implications.
Want to know more about activation, communication and early memories? 'The caregiver’s companion to intellectual disabilities and dementia: 100 real-life questions and answers' contains 100 practical questions and answers. will be released soon. For now, it is available in Dutch .
