A Season for the Senses

There’s something about fall that brings so much to life. The crunch of leaves under our feet, the smell of cinnamon and apples baking, the sound of a football game in the background, or the sight of pumpkins on the porch. These familiar sights, sounds, and smells can bring back feelings and memories without us even realizing it.

Our senses are closely connected to the way we experience and remember the world around us. For someone living with dementia, sensory experiences can sometimes provide a way to connect when finding the right words or remembering specific details becomes more difficult.

A familiar smell may bring a feeling of comfort. A favorite song may lead to a smile or even a story. The taste of a favorite fall recipe can feel familiar even when someone can’t remember exactly when or where they enjoyed it before. These moments don’t have to result in a specific memory to be meaningful. The feeling they create can be just as important.

Fall gives us plenty of opportunities to engage the senses together. Take a walk and listen to the leaves crunching under your feet. Pick up a few colorful leaves and talk about their different shapes and colors. Bake an apple pie or another favorite recipe and enjoy the smells coming from the kitchen. Put on some familiar music while decorating pumpkins. Sit outside and enjoy the cooler air and changing colors.

The goal isn’t to test someone’s memory or see what they can remember. It’s simply to enjoy the moment together.

Sometimes a familiar smell, a favorite song, a beautiful fall day or the taste of something homemade can create a connection that doesn’t need many words. And sometimes, those little moments are what matter most.