Wonderful. Wonderful. Wonderful.

Dementia patients often have the ability to imagine things. Good things. Bad things. So, it can be a plus, or a detriment. Try to channel the imagination into good and pleasant thoughts. For instance, imagining that someone's loved one still lives. That can be good. Very pleasant. We care-givers can do much to channel pleasant thoughts by exuding good vibes. I see it work. And it's very gratifying. Even we care-givers can use our imaginations to benefit. We can imagine ways to relax. And to imagine very pleasant and soothing situations. The mind is a very powerful tool. People can lower their blood pressure, just by biofeedback. Learning relaxation techniques. Mind over matter. Pretend you have a cat on your lap. And pretend petting that cat. Pretend hearing the cat purr. You don't even need a real cat. An imaginary cat will do. Maybe some dementia patients are way ahead of us in the use of their imaginations. Oh, so many ways to sooth. Comb someone's hair. Talk soothingly. Slowly. In a whisper. Play peaceful music. An adagio. Close your eyes. Imagine a beautiful sunset. Love, you know, is really a state of mind. It comes from within. It is cultivated to some degree with the imagination. I've seen some wonderful imaginations at work at nursing homes. With patient after patient. Indeed, it can be very rewarding. If properly channeled. I've entered imaginary worlds with some patients. Wonderful. Wonderful. Wonderful. --Jim Broede