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The Importance of Feeling Connected
I f anyone were to ask me where my favorite place is in our Chapter office, my reply would
most definitely be, “The reception area on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.” Why? Because
every Tuesday and Thursday we hold sessions of MemoryWorks, our brain stimulation
program for clients with MCI and early-stage dementia. Before the program begins, many of the
participants arrive early to relax in the reception area and read the paper, enjoy a cup of coffee, or
simply talk and catch up on what’s been happening with their fellow participants. What strikes
me the most about these times is how warm and inviting this area can be as laughter fills the air
and just about everyone has something to say. In fact, it often feels more like a celebration -- and
in a sense, that’s exactly what it is — a celebration of connection and togetherness in the face of
an illness that frequently causes individuals to become isolated and withdrawn.
One of the complaints we commonly hear from caregivers of people with early-stage
dementia is that the diagnosed person “doesn’t want to do anything” or that “He’s just being
stubborn and isn’t really trying.” In most cases, this may appear to be true but appearances can
often be deceiving. Loss of initiative and lack of motivation are two symptoms of early-stage
dementia that are very difficult to overcome. If left on their own, many early-stage individuals
will find it easier to give in to these symptoms and end up spending much of their days sleeping
late, watching television or just being idle for hours at a time. It’s not long before they begin to
withdraw socially and isolate themselves by simply staying at home.
So how can caregivers encourage early-stage people to keep active and connected? One way
is by helping the person to find programs and activities that offer opportunities for socialization
with others who are also living with early dementia. When asked what they like best about
coming to MemoryWorks, most of the participants talk about how good it feels to be with others
like themselves. As one member pointed out, “We can relax together and not feel like we have
anything to prove here, so it gives us a chance to laugh a lot and forget about our dementia
for awhile.” In the Early Stage Services section of our Web site, you will
find a listing of programs available to people with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or early
dementia. In addition to those offerings, we have a new free program called Connections
which will begin on September 9th. If you are a person with an early-stage diagnosis who would
like to join with others living with memory loss and talk about what interests you, Connections
may be for you! The group will meet here at the Chapter office every Wednesday from 1:30
– 3:00 p.m. To learn more about this program, please contact Lauren Tammany, Coordinator of
Early Stage Services, at 646-744-2900. An interview is required.
I have often said that I am constantly inspired in my work by the words of my early-stage
clients. I cannot think of a better way to end this article than by quoting Carl Eden as he spoke
about the benefits of being a member of the MemoryWorks group: “Human contact is the most
important gain. There is no worse company for memory loss than isolation. The affirmation we
get from supportive human contact keeps us cheerful, connected and more communal.”
If you have an early-stage diagnosis, or you are the caregiver for someone with early dementia, and you would like to know more about
advocacy opportunities, please contact me at 646-744-2911 or send an e-mail to pmichaud@alznyc.org.
— Paulette Michaud
Director, Early Stage Services
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