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personal preferences. Patients with mild dementia can enjoy and benefit from a wide variety of programming, whereas those with moderate to severe cognitive impairment will do better with simpler imagery and audio.

Select shows that match the person’s interests and life experiences; for example, a sports blooper video would be good for a former athlete. There are many types of television programming to consider – sitcoms, variety shows, old and new movies, cultural and nature programs, biographies, historic documentaries, travelogues and sports. When the patient can’t get out to church, television ministries offer a good way to address the need for spirituality.

“At the French Center, we like 'Good Morning America' because it has a good balance of cultural programming and holiday themes to orient our residents to the season,” says Winklowsky. “Plus, its coverage of the news is professional, not sensational.”

Game shows, such as Wheel of Fortune, are good for patients who can still enjoy word puzzles. Many men and women will watch painting, craft and hobby shows like This Old House. But reruns and “Golden Oldies” have the most universal appeal, especially I Love Lucy, The Andy Griffith Show, Little House on the Prairie and The Waltons.

“Any programs that the patient has watched and enjoyed in the past will probably be appropriate for viewing,” notes Winklowsky. “I usually recommend programs you can sing-along to, like The Lawrence Welk Show.”

Vintage newsreels with music, dress and lifestyles of days gone by are effective in promoting reminiscing. And the TV itself itself can be an excellent discussion tool; many seniors remember their first television set and like to talk about what they watched in the early days.

Rentals from the local library or video store can be a big help. Look for family films like Babe and I’ll Fly Away; movie musicals such as Brigadoon and Music Man, and films featuring Bing Crosby, Jimmy Stewart, Doris Day and other big stars of the ‘30s, ‘40s and ‘50s.

“Musicals tend to keep a patient’s interest for a longer period of time. Their rhythm – story line, song, story line, song – is great in that way,” says Winklowsky. “If a patient’s attention span is short, you can screen a movie in half-hour increments or chapters over several days.”

What Not To Watch

Shows to be avoided or monitored carefully are those with excessive violence as well as news programs and live broadcasts from the scene of news – which can make a deep impression on the patient. Men and women with dementing illnesses are prone to confuse the events on television with what is happening in their own world; the reality of the TV becomes their reality. For example, a woman who sees news of a bomb blast may believe her daughter, who is late, was injured in the explosion.

“Because of the potential for a catastrophic reaction, it is not wise to leave program selections up to the dementia patient,” Winklowsky says. Caregivers should help select and monitor what the individual is watching and how he is reacting.

To be on the safe side,the tendency is for some caregivers ts to turn on children’s programming; but this isn’t always wise,” according to Winklowsky. “The music and characters on Sesame Street are wonderful and some patients may respond in a positive manner, but others would find it boring, offensive or demeaning.”

If television presentation is agitating the patient, or has brought up unpleasant memories or is causing distress, turn the set off and try something else later. But be sure to take the time to validate the patient’s feelings; don’t abruptly walk away saying, “Okay, let’s do something else.” Acknowledge that the person is feeling sad or angry, show you understand and then let her try and express herself. If she is crying, hold her and give herr the opportunity to react, notes Winklowsky.

“Don’t assume what an individual would enjoy. Remember you have a captive audience – just because a (continue to next page)

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