Reading was the key to breaking through the fog of my parents' dementia
It was hard to communicate with my mother or father, until reading a book out loud led to a discovery
TL;DR
- Reading aloud to parents with dementia and Parkinson's revealed their preserved cognitive function.
- The author discovered this by accident, as her parents could not verbally express their desire to be read to.
- Despite appearing vacant, the parents could comprehend stories and follow narratives.
- This challenges the perception that severe dementia renders individuals completely unresponsive or 'dead'.
- Case studies from The Reader charity support the positive effects of reading aloud on people with dementia.
- The author advocates for people with dementia and opposes assisted dying, emphasizing the potential for continued connection.