Geriatric Psychologist Says Video Biographies Are a Great Tool in Treating Dementia

Bellevue, WA, May 08, 2007 --(PR.com)-- Richard A. Wyckoff, a geriatric psychologist, says that one’s memories preserved in a video biography can be a great tool in preservative care.

“In practical terms, Video Biographies can help a person remember who they are by highlighting very positive experiences,” Wyckoff said. “These include accomplishment, relationships, hobbies and talents that they have enjoyed during his or her life.”

In reference to strangers such as caregivers, Video Biographies can help them understand a person’s history, Wyckoff explained, enabling a caregiver to reinforce the patient’s personal recollections, thereby enhancing that individual’s sense of self.

He said that Video Biographies will further assist caregivers in providing services that otherwise might be resisted such as bathing or perianal care.
Referencing progressive dementia, Dr. Wyckoff said that without frequent reminders of the highlights of one’s personal history a person would tend to lose sight of themselves. Citing this as inevitable, he added that Video Biographies can be a significant help in delaying the time when one would lose their sense of identity.

R.J. McHatton, Producer at Inventive Productions, reinforces Dr. Wyckoff’s observations: “In successive appointments when we record an older person’s life experiences, a Video Biography is a great tool in helping one to recall significant events that they had temporarily forgotten.”

“Often, it’s a chain effect, where one’s particular recollection will trigger another,” he added.

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Contacts:
Dr, Richard Wyckoff, PhD 425-821-5230 www.geroservice.com
R.J. McHatton, Inventive Productions, www.inventiveproductions.com 425-747-4538