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Improv Helps Alzheimers Patients

Posted in adult learning, communication skills, creativity, games, Play, self improvement
Jan
06

 

While the use of improv as  an effective personal and business development tool continues to rise, one of the most exciting developments I’ve seen is it’s use as a rehabilitation tool.

Recently my friend Shannon Assion posted a link on my Facebook page to a CBS news story about how one experienced performer is using improv games to help a group of Alzheimer’s patients.

The group, made of people experiencing the early stages of the Alzheimers disease, is benefiting from an improvisational theater class facilitated by Linda Gelman, Founder of the New York City comedy troupe,  Chicago City Limits.

Gelman uses a combination of word games and role playing to help participants remember the roles they used to play and share stories about their lives with others who understand what they are going through.

Gelman works with participants and their caregivers to revive old memories, as recent memories become more difficult to recall. Laughter and the feeling of community that members of the group share also have proven benefits.  Social and cognitive stimulation has been associated with a reduced risk of developing Alzhiemers and may help ease depression in Alzheimers patients.

I invite you to click on the link and check out the video. Watching it warmed my heart and made me very happy to be sharing improv with non-performers.  We have only begun to scratch the surface of what these tools can do.

(Screen shot of CBS News graphic)

 

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Jenise Fryatt

Jenise Fryatt is the founder and chief trainer of Eventprov.

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  • Anonymous

    Jenise ~ This is truly innovative approach to memory development and social interaction. Good luck with this project. Love, Debby

  • http://www.eventprov.com Jenise Fryatt

    Thanks Debby. I appreciate you stopping by. Linda Gelman is truly inspiring. Like her, I actually may have the opportunity to work w/ Alzheimer’s patients in my home town. I’ll keep you posted!