Music seems to be a good one - when my dad's Alzheimer's was quite advanced he would still be able to do a perfect foxtrot when he heard the right music. Nowadays he can't walk or talk, but I sing to him a lot, and he definitely responds to this, tapping his feet, and occasionally giving me a funny look when I hit a wrong note. He also seems to have memory in his hands, so if I give him (toy) tools to hold, he'll hold them in the way he used to hold real ones. I think it's a question of understanding what Aunty Pat used to do or enjoy, and finding a way for her to do the same things safely.

My mum also really likes looking at photos from her childhood, and current family photos to remind herself who we all are. She also has a picture of the village where she grew up, and it prompts many recollections. I find it amazing how she can't remember what someone said to her 5 minutes ago but can point to different cottages in the village and tell you exactly who lived in each one more than 70 years ago. It's a kind of reassuring ritual to her. Familiar music might well be a good idea. My mother always lights up when Vera Lynn comes on.

My dad has the same condition. We have lots of pictures of when he was younger, these are when they do remember. Some ladies in his home I have seen with dollys. i know this may sound odd but I think they like to mother them and see them as real babies/ Just a thought.