For those with Alzheimer’s, reminiscing can help people with Alzheimer's by improving mood, reducing stress, reducing depression, and increasing feelings of self-worth. Nostalgia can also help with communication and stimulate memories. Encouraging your loved one to talk about their past experiences, such as school, work, or their hometown, can help them feel more connected with their past and present, as well as more content.
To start, you can think of something your loved one enjoys and likes to talk about and ask them open-ended questions. Showing them videos, photos, or objects with sentimental meaning can be a good way to get them to talk.
Erin Bonitto of Buddies Forever Dementia Communication Coaching advises caregivers not to have a preconceived idea of what their loved one should enjoy but to watch out for what they truly do enjoy.