Our memory, a treasure to be preserved
"Where did everyone go who had something to tell.
We brought someone into the world, maybe we should listen to them."
(*Un musicien parmi tant d'autres * by the group Harmonium, recounts the fate of a musician growing old and feeling forgotten by the world. The last four lines are particularly striking. )
These lines express a certain sadness, but also a call to listen and respect people who have a story to tell, be they young or old, artists or citizens. They tie in with the theme of life stories, which are a tool for valuing the journey, memory and identity of people, particularly those suffering from Alzheimer's or another cognitive disease.
Our memory, a treasure to be preserved 😊
Memory is the faculty of our mind that enables us to record, retain and recall the information, experiences and emotions that have marked our lives. Memory is essential for learning, understanding, communicating and acting. Memory is also what connects us to our identity, our history, our culture and our loved ones. Memory is therefore our greatest heritage, a treasure to be preserved.
Seeing Alzheimer's as a leaf
It's a poetic and sad image, expressing the fragility and loss of memory.
Unfortunately, memory can be altered or lost by a variety of factors, such as aging, disease, trauma or stress. Among the diseases that affect memory, the best-known and most feared is Alzheimer's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder that leads to progressive and irreversible deterioration of cognitive functions. According to the World Health Organization, there are currently 47.5 million people suffering from dementia worldwide, around 60% of whom suffer from Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer's disease is scary
It's a disease that affects us all, whether it's our relatives, friends, neighbors or ourselves. It scares us too, as it gradually causes us to lose our memories, our bearings and our personality. It makes us vulnerable, dependent and isolated. It makes us suffer, as well as our loved ones who have to take on the role of caregiver.
There is no cure or vaccine for this disease. However, there are ways of preventing or delaying its onset, or at least slowing its progression. These include adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular physical activity, good sleep hygiene and limiting alcohol and tobacco consumption. Then there's cognitive stimulation, which involves exercising the brain through varied and enriching activities, such as reading, playing games, enjoying creative hobbies, learning new things and following DC recommendations. BREDESEN ("The end of Alzheimer's"). Finally, there's social and emotional stimulation, which involves maintaining quality relationships with family, friends and the community. These means are beneficial for brain health and memory preservation. They are also sources of pleasure, well-being and meaning.
The life story, a therapeutic tool
Telling one's life story can help people suffering from Alzheimer's or other cognitive disorders to preserve their identity and self-esteem. Indeed, by recounting their lives, sufferers can stimulate their memory, express their emotions and strengthen the bond with their loved ones. Several scientific studies have evaluated the effects of life stories on people with dementia. These studies have shown that life histories can improve quality of life, well-being, mood, cognition and behavior in people with dementia.
Our memory, a treasure to be preserved 😊
Our life story is our greatest heritage to protect
Let's protect our memory, for it is our wealth. Let us cultivate our memory, for it is our strength. Let us share our memory, because it is our gift.
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