June Newsletter, What the brain remembers, the power of the senses
When a flower doesn't bloom you change the environment in which it grows not the flower |
 |
June Newsletter |
What the Brain Remembers, the Power of the Senses |
 |
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." — Maya Angelou |
When Words Fade the Senses Remain
If you've ever watched a loved one light up at the smell of coffee brewing or seen them calm the moment a familiar song comes on, you've witnessed something remarkable happening in the brain. As dementia progresses, the parts of the brain responsible for language, logic, and short-term memory are deeply affected. But the limbic system (the emotional and sensory center of the brain) remains active far longer. This means that even when someone can no longer recall a name, their senses can still reach them in ways that words cannot. This isn't a coincidence, its neurological. It's one of the most powerful tools you have as a caregiver. |
 |
Let's Talk about the Senses
SMELL Coffee, lavender, fresh bread, or a familiar perfume can trigger emotional memory and a sense of safety instantly.
SOUND Music from youth is processed in a part of the brain that dementia affects last. A favorite song can reduce agitation and spark joy.
TOUCH A warm hand, a soft blanket, or a gentle shoulder rub communicates care when language can no longer bridge the gap.
SIGHT Familiar objects, soft lighting, fresh flowers and calming colors in the environment create a sense of orientation and peace.
TASTE A loved family recipe, a cup of tea made just right, or a childhood treat can unlock emotion and recognition in beautiful ways. |
 |
Your Visit Matters
Your visit matters, even when they don't remember it I would hear often "I visit every day and she doesn't remember that I was there". I want you to know this, she knows. Research consistently shows that people living with dementia retain the emotional memory of an experience long after the factual memory of it is gone. Your loved one may not be able to tell you what you talked about, but the feeling of being loved, of being safe, of being seen this is what lingers in the body and the nervous system. Your presence is not wasted. It is absorbed. It really matters. |
 |
Try These During your Visits
• Put on a playlist of music from their teens and twenties and simply sit with them. Watch what happens.
• Bring one familiar scent, like their old hand lotion, a candle they loved, fresh flowers from the garden.
• Instead of asking "Do you remember me?", try: "I love spending time with you." No test, no pressure just connecting with your loved one.
• Notice which textures, temperatures, or objects seem to bring calm. Keep those close and consistent.
• After a hard visit, remind yourself: the feeling I left behind was warmth. That is enough |
 |
 |
New! The Sensory Spotlight
Each month, we'll shine a light on one of the five senses and explore simple, meaningful ways to create moments of comfort, connection, and joy for someone living with dementia. These small sensory experiences can help reduce anxiety, spark memories, and strengthen connection without even saying a single word. June=Sense of Smell The sense of smell is one of my favorite topics in dementia care because it's so powerful. One reason smell is so special is that it has a direct connection to the brain's emotional and memory centers (including the amygdala and hippocampus). Unlike most other senses, smell doesn't have to be consciously processed before it reaches these areas. That's why the aroma of fresh bread or a familiar perfume can instantly bring back a feeling or memory, even if someone can't tell you why. So, bake some bread, cookies, smell fresh cut grass or flowers, car grease, sawdust, sharpened pencils, the ideas are endless. AND they are as unique as each person is! |
 |
Some Products that I like |
 Weighted Scented Stuffed Animal-Heatable and coolable! This 1.5-pound stuffie is scented with lavender for a therapeutically calming effect.
 Simple Music Player-This simple music player has one button! Pre-loaded with 75 American Classics from the last century, the MP3 format player can also handle up to 1,000 of their favorite songs or audio books that you can upload to the provided 8GB USB Memory Stick |
 |
 |
"Sometimes the brain forgets the details, but the heart remembers the feeling." 💜 |
 |
I hope you've enjoyed this newsletter but if you didn't and would like to be taken off of my email list please reply and let me know This is NOT a replacement for healthcare. This is not considered healthcare advice. Please consult your loved one's healthcare providers for best practices and recommendations for your situation. |
Comments