1950s Memory Lane: Large print book for dementia patients

This 35-page book is aimed at patients with early stage dementia who like reading but find it hard to follow ‘normal’ books. With large print, short easy to follow paragraphs and plenty of illustrations, the book looks at everyday life in the 1950s in the USA and Britain. It is intended to help stimulate long-term memories of those who lived through the 1950s, with sections on music, films, fashion, sport, holidays and much more.When read together with a relative or carer, it can also help promote conversation and reminiscence. The book does not mention dementia or memory loss, or anything that could cause distress or embarrassment to patients, and it is written in a simple but not childish style. It can equally be enjoyed by those without memory loss, for example, grandparents reading together with grandchildren to help them learn about the ‘old days’. ‘… a few residents have read the book and had a look through it. There have been some great responses particularly when I sat with one of our residents and we looked through it together, it triggered many memories and conversation.’ – Emma Bennett, Activities Co-Ordinator, Grove Care Home, Bristol.