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.