Movement with Meaning : A Multisensory Program for Individuals with Early-Stage Alzheimer's Disease

Reinforce the remaining strengths and abilities of people with dementia with this interactive, multisensory movement program. Developed by an experienced educator, Movement with Meaning uses activities that stimulate all five senses to enhance the well-being of older adults. Designed specifically to meet the needs of people with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, the program combines gentle dance movements, yoga-inspired poses, and breathing exercises with music, poetry, and specific sensory activities. Participants become focused in the present through total immersion in short, concentrated exercises that stimulate physical, mental, and sensory awareness. Individuals not only enjoy the engaging activities, but experience reduced tension enhanced relaxation improved balance and coordination decreased disorientation increased social interaction This detailed manual makes establishing a Movement with Meaning® program easy at any facility. Step-by-step instructions for each activity are supported by more than 100 photographs. Additionally, four 30-minute sessions are described in detail. Along with suggested themes and activities, the manual supplies group leaders with valuable information about selecting participants and organizing the environment. Movement with Meaning sessions can be customized for individual participants, making the program ideal for adult day centers, assisted living facilities, and long-term care settings. Recreational therapists, OTs, PTs, and activity directors will find this program invaluable for strengthening older adults’ skills while also providing entertaining activities. Add Movement with Meaning to your therapeutic programming today and experience the benefits! Movement with Meaning® is a trademark of the author.

Barbara Larsen, M.A.Ed., has been working in the field of dementia care for 20 years. She lives in the Sierra Nevada Foothills of Northern California. Movement with Meaning is the culmination of her practical, hands-on approach in providing a multi-sensory program for people with early-stage Alzheimer's disease.

Over the past two decades, Barbara's extensive experience has encompassed working with individuals with dementia, family caregivers, and health care professionals in a variety of settings. As an educator, director, and consultant she has brought her expertise to adult day care facilities, hospitals, residential care facilities, county and state agencies, research universities, community organizations, hospices, and to the private sector. She has written numerous articles and most recently presented Movement with Meaning to the annual conferences for the Alzheimer's Association Greater Sacramento Area Chapter and the American Society on Aging. Since 1988, Barbara has been an education and family consultant for Del Oro Caregiver Resource Center, a statewide non-profit serving the needs of family caregivers. She is currently providing an ongoing Movement with Meaning class at a local assisted living facility.