Alzheimer’s Laughter

Have you ever noticed how much better you feel after laughing? It makes you feel happy and forget about your troubles and stress for a little while. Life is good; no worries at the moment. 

People with Alzheimer’s need laughter! Think about your loved one; when was the last time you heard them laugh or saw them smile? 

Alzheimer’s Laughter sayings

There are many famous sayings related to laughter. 

• “We don’t laugh because we are happy; we’re happy because we laugh.” William James
•  “There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor.” Charles Dickens
• “Laughing is, and will always be, the best form of therapy.” Dau Voire
• “A day without laughter is a day wasted.” Charlie Chaplin
• “A good laugh recharges your battery.” Anonymous
• “A little more laughter, a little less worry, a little more kindness, and a little less hurry.” Anonymous

It makes one think they may have realized something we haven’t. 

Alzheimer’s Laughter is powerful!

Watch a video of a baby laughing, and even the grouchiest person can’t help but smile. Many people probably know that laughing makes you feel better, but it does much more.

• Studies have shown it has the power to boost immunity by decreasing stress hormones.
• Your whole body relaxes when you laugh.
• Blood flow increases and helps improve blood vessels. 
• Pain levels decrease.
• Laughter also reduces fear.
• Dissolves tension and resolves conflict.

Humor can also help reduce agitation in someone with Alzheimer’s. In addition, shared laughter helps strengthen relationships and helps someone struggling with Alzheimer’s feel safe with friends and family.

Humor Changes

The sense of humor changes for someone with Alzheimer’s. As a matter of fact, it can be one of the early signs of Alzheimer’s. Many caregivers noted a change in their loved one’s sense of humor a few years before they realized their loved one had Alzheimer’s.

As their cognitive level declines, it becomes difficult for them to understand some types of humor, such as traditional jokes or satire.

For example, satire is a form of criticism that uses wit, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule and is often misinterpreted by someone with Alzheimer’s.

Slapstick is more of simple humor. To give you an idea of what slapstick is, some of the most famous slapstick were Charlie Chaplin, I Love Lucy, Tom & Jerry cartoons, and Home Alone.

Sometimes even those with advanced dementia laugh or smile at Slapstick humor. It is a go-to for many memory care units.

Loneliness & Laughter

I can tell you from my nursing home experience how sad and lonely many of the elderly are.
It doesn’t usually take much to bring a smile to their face. But a warm, genuine smile, a pat on the arm, or just sitting and talking for a few minutes goes a long way for someone struggling with Alzheimer’s.
That smile reminds them they are not alone and they are safe. And laughter, well that is like a great big old hug to them! It helps them feel connected to you. It helps them feel loved and wanted.

Make light of what is going on in the day. Joke around with them, but do be careful not to offend them. Some people with Alzheimer’s struggle to understand things and may feel the joke is on them or putting them down.

The more you smile and joke with them, the more comfortable they will feel with you. That increased comfort will lead to more compliance with whatever you need your loved one to do. Humor and laughter are the best medicine to get them to cooperate.

What a difference a smile makes. 

I have a friend who has an incredible knack for making all patients feel happy and comfortable with her. For example, I have seen men refusing several caregivers to bathe and shave them. Yet she can walk in the first time meeting them and get them to wash and shave without fuss.
Her secret is humor. That humor becomes their common ground; they are comfortable and trust her immediately. While joking around, she has them in the shower, shaved, and dressed before they even realize what is happening.

Television & ALzheimer’s Laughter

Fortunately, we can now watch pretty much what we want to whenever we want to on our televisions. Some channels play old slapstick comedies.

Caregivers can find many shows on the TVland and ROKU channels. In addition, many people find the funny cat and dog videos on youtube to work well with their loved ones.

Many people with Alzheimer’s sit in front of a TV. It would be advantageous to put it on something that will make them laugh or smile.

Remember, as a caregiver, you set the tone for the day. A day with smiles and laughter will make a better day for both of you.