Real stories
People with dementia try out Cognitive Books and the Matching Memories game
People living with dementia tell us what they think of products specially designed to prompt conversation and reminiscence.
Horsham Rusty Brains is a group of people with dementia who meet monthly to share news, views and ideas.
It influences a range of work in the West Sussex town, and it’s one of many Dementia Voice groups whose members have a say in what we and others do at a national level.
We took two Cognitive Books and the Matching Memories game – all available in our online shop – to the group to get their opinions.
Cognitive Books
Matt Singleton first created Cognitive Books for his dad Brian, after his Alzheimer’s made it difficult for him to follow complex plots.
Matt developed the idea with support from our Accelerator Programme and many other people living with dementia.
Two titles are now available, each in hardback and with a free audio download. Alongside the clear illustrations, there’s a large-print narrative to enjoy time and again.
The story works whether you read the whole book (which could take around 45 minutes to one hour, including exercises), just some of it, or only the simpler summaries on the left-hand pages.
The audio version of Looking back at… The Beatles is read by actor Bill Nighy, while that for Looking back at… The 1966 World Cup comes from commentator Clive Tyldesley.
After reading Looking back at… The 1966 World Cup with others, Martin said, ‘That was an amazing 10 minutes that we had.’
‘The amount I dredged up from my memory was incredible! It was definitely well worth doing – just great.
Each book includes other events from the era it covers. So, although Paul, Sue and Nigel were reading the football-themed book, we also got an impromptu rendition of The Hills Are Alive from The Sound of Music.
We listened to the audio downloads, which come in full and simplified versions. The Beatles audio had feet and fingers around the table tapping within moments of starting.
The group preferred the pace of Clive’s narration, which was a bit faster than Bill’s. There was recognition that some would appreciate a slower pace though.
Diana enjoyed the full list of songs at the back of the Beatles book. We also learned everyone’s favourite band member – and a range of opinions about each of their careers following the group’s break-up.
While Eddie thought the books were on the expensive side, Paul guessed they’d cost around £20, compared to their actual price of £14.99.
Matching Memories
The Matching Memories game was developed by Matt and Emily Tyler, inspired by their family’s own experience of dementia.
The game comes with two decks of cards – one blue, one yellow. They cover 33 topics such as ‘my working life’, ‘DIY’ or ‘swimming’. Each card has two questions designed to get conversation and reminiscence going.
There are instructions for four different games you can play using the cards, with options for two or more players.
Group members took turns to pick a card and answer its questions, and Eddie couldn’t believe his luck with the topic he got.
I don’t know anything about anything except rugby, and there was a rugby card!
From thinking he wouldn’t have anything to talk about, Eddie went on to tell everyone about playing rugby as a wing three-quarter.
The cards’ clear design and text was appreciated, with Jim noting, ‘I’m reading this without my glasses.’
There was a lot of laughter as cards prompted conversations to range from running to holidays, and one person observed, ‘Once you get going, the cards aren’t needed anymore.’
Given the topic of dancing, we heard about Jim’s ‘two left feet – both on the right-hand side!’
Nigel thought it could be confusing to have two decks when the particular game the group was playing didn’t need both. However, he joined in, sharing his choice of violinist André Rieu as his favourite live musician.
Ray appreciated how the cards opened up discussion.
We didn’t stick to answering the questions but enjoyed digressing.
‘I really like them,’ said Diana. ‘I can imagine taking them when I visit my daughter. I can play them with my grandchildren and adults – they’re really good questions.’
Visit our online shop for these and many other helpful products:
- Looking back at… The Beatles – £14.99 (no VAT).
- Looking back at… The 1966 World Cup – £14.99 (no VAT).
- Matching Memories game – £17.99 including VAT.
Helpful everyday products
Browse our shop for this and many other products that help living with dementia.