Memory lab is an activity to provide cognitive stimulation to people with dementia. It also aims to enhance social functioning of the participants. Participation in the activities improves the confidence level of the members and helps lift their mood. It includes a range of pleasing and challenging activities for persons with dementia. Caregivers are also welcome to participate in the lab activities.
Each memory lab session is a unique combination of activities and provides stimulation for thinking, concentration and memory. The activity is conducted in a social setting but in a small group so that participants can enjoy each other’s company. Lab also invites resource persons to help carry out special activities such as music and art therapy etc.
This is what we did in a recent session –
The session’s theme was money. The participants discussed ways of earning money – and listed over 15 ways to earn a living. The participants further went on to talk about “money vocabulary” recording over 30 words such as deposit, finance, loan, exchange and so on. This discussion ended with looking at recent colour coded bank notes and recalling them. The session then included translating English words into Marathi, followed by independent activities to suit their cognitive level. (usually nearly half the session is spent in independent activities). The session then moved on to group games. The session ended with Omkar and Pasaydan recitation. Here are some photographs from Memory Lab sessions bringing you our activities.