Books to talk about

The hardback books: Childhood in pictures, The countryside in pictures and Women's work in pictures, are full of bright and attractive full-page images; one per double page spread.

Among the images are professional photographs and paintings from national collections and modern artists. A small amount of related large-print text faces each picture in the form of a quotation or a poem. This is aimed at helping to get a conversation going or to offer help in interpreting what the picture is about.

The books are proving an enjoyable activity to be shared with carers, family and friends.

They are produced by Pictures to Share Community Interest Company, a new not-for-profit social enterprise set up to produce high quality visual resources for people with dementia.

Helen Bate researched and designed the books after witnessing the difficulties her mother faced when she developed dementia, and finding there were very few visual resources available aside from traditional reading books.

Dementia care professionals who have used the books say they have stimulated conversation, provide a shared activity which can make visits easier, and are popular as people with dementia can readily identify with the images.

Ann Topping, head of therapy at a care home in London, said,

'I highly recommend these delightful books that would be an asset to any care home, carer or person with dementia.'