[adamred]

I work in pharmaceuticals on the marketing for a major new Alzheimer's drug and get a bunch of daily newsletters from the various support groups and associations and noticed this article today, thought it was nice...

CLASSIC CARS SPARKS ALZHEIMER'S PATIENTS’ MEMORIES


(Source: Shelby County Reporter) – Alzheimer's patients at the Lakeview Estates Assisted Living facility in Birmingham, AL, strolled through rows of antique Oldsmobiles, Fords, Pontiacs, Buicks and Chevrolets last Saturday during a classic car show.

The Alzheimer's patients, who often retain long-term memories while short-term memories disappear, shared stories of learning how to drive their 1929 Ford and the parking lots full of such cars years ago.

Bill Cowart, a patient from the severe memory care unit, took one look at an antique Model-A Ford and spoke for the first time in months. For Cowart and others, the rest of the day was spent shuffling thru the hallways talking to one another excitedly about the cars they had seen.

The idea was the brainchild of Irene Smith and her staff, who though an antique car show might brighten the patients' spirits.

To read the full story go to shelbycountyreporter.com.

Adam