6 Cs of dementia, or 7?

The Importance of Stories...

So, the 6Cs of dementia are: care, compassion, competence, communication, courage and commitment. But what about comedy?

I am currently delving into how people with dementia respond to humour. Recent research shows that a darker humour can appear. According to agingcare.com, the disease impairs social functioning evidenced by a lowering of social filtering. In effect, patients display an altered sense of humour, which is now recognised as one of the early warning signs of dementia.

An Australian study showed that, as the disease progresses, jokes with setup and punchlines can become more difficult or impossible for the person to follow. However, studies have shown that slapstick comedy may often still be funny for people with dementia. So, The Three Stooges, Tommy Cooper, Norman Wisdom or The Goons, might be a better for them, instead of a stand-up comedy routine.

There are further studies that suggest humour can be used as a temporary distraction to allay many of the symptoms of dementia, such as wandering and agitation; that it can offer reduced anxiety and offer relief.

Tapping into memories through photos, song, dance, and discussion can help tease out smiles and laughter by creating a tailor-made biographical therapy for individuals. Elder clowns are being used in some settings (mostly USA and Canada) to facilitate these bespoke therapies that offer an alternative to medication.

I am continuing to research and looking to become involved in how I might be able to support those with dementia and I would love to hear from you regarding dementia and humour – please drop me a line.

I will be teasing out stories, points of view and will even include the odd song and some clowning, at my two upcoming classes. If you think you would enjoy the benefits of some humour - for slapstick - come to my exeterphoenix clowning and comedy class in March... Wom+n only. For people with experience, or complete beginners - see link below or click HERE.

Join me online or in person. Places are filling fast.

As usual, big thanks and love from Maggie and the Comedy Matters team - and have a great week :)