Sometimes, the sweetest Halloween moments aren’t about candy – they’re about connection. For those living with dementia, revisiting photographs from past holidays can help spark joy and orientation through Photo-Based Reminiscence Therapy (PRT).
This technique encourages individuals to look at familiar images while discussing memories connected to them. Research published in Frontiers in Psychology found that viewing personal photographs activates the medial temporal lobe – the region responsible for autobiographical memory and emotional meaning (Kobayashi et al., 2020). This helps individuals strengthen recognition and reduce anxiety.
Reminiscence also fosters social connection. The Alzheimer’s Society (2022) reports that memory-based storytelling reduces loneliness and increases well-being, especially when shared with family or friends. For caregivers, this can be a simple yet powerful seasonal tool.
Consider making a “Halloween Memory Board” with photos from past years. Invite loved ones to describe the costumes, colors, or laughter in each image. Even if words are few, the shared experience of looking and remembering can create calm and joy.
Halloween can be more than a night of treats – it can be an opportunity to honor the past, spark recognition, and strengthen bonds that last all year.
References Alzheimer’s Society. (2022). Reminiscence and dementia care: Benefits of shared memories. https://www.alzheimers.org.uk Kobayashi, R., Tanaka, H., & Smith, D. (2020). Neural activation during autobiographical photo recall in aging adults. Frontiers in Psychology, 11(2053).
Facts of the Week:
· A 2019 Aging & Mental Health study found that reminiscence therapy significantly improves mood and sense of purpose among individuals with mild-to-moderate dementia (Melendez-Moral et al., 2019).
· Researchers from The Gerontologist reported that intergenerational storytelling sessions enhance empathy and emotional bonds between older adults and grandchildren (Lee et al., 2021).
