Although there is nothing funny about Alzheimer’s disease, humor can be an effective way to cope, both for the family caregiver and the senior adult who is living with the disease.
British Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience Sophie Scott describes laughter as a far more complex social skill than most people imagine. It’s often used to signal agreement and show affection, and humor demonstrates understanding. It creates a bond, a sense of inclusion between people. “Take your laughter seriously,” she says. “It can sound like friendship. It can sound like love.”
Benefits of Laughter
The benefits of laughter can extend beyond the person living with Alzheimer’s and affect the family caregiver. The physical and emotional effects of humor and laughter include:
- the release of endorphins, which are the brain chemicals that make us feel good
- a decrease in sadness, anxiety, and anger
- the relief of distress and depression
- a change of perspective that eases tension
- a reduction in defensiveness
Studies show laughter can strengthen the immune system and trigger the nervous system’s relaxation response.
In addition, according to a study at the University of New South Wales that examined the effectiveness of professional humor therapists while working with nursing home staff, humor therapy significantly reduced agitation in dementia patients.
Humor for People with Alzheimer’s
One symptom of Alzheimer’s is a change in what someone finds funny. As cognition declines, satirical or absurdist comedy (such as Monty Python, which features rational characters reacting to irrational circumstances) loses its comedic appeal. Traditional jokes, which feature a setup followed by a punchline, become a challenge for seniors to connect and understand. Also, seniors with Alzheimer’s may be more sensitive to a joke, believing that the other person is laughing at them rather than with them.
Studies show, however, that some types of laughter remain beneficial. If the person feels physically comfortable or has successfully completed a task, he or she may laugh. Also, people with Alzheimer’s tend to find slapstick comedy funny.
Researchers break down humor categories for people with Alzheimer’s into two types: adaptive and maladaptive humor. Adaptive humor promotes positive social relationships and is a self-enhancing humor that is not used at the expense of others. It results in less depression and anxiety and causes greater optimism and self-esteem. Maladaptive humor, which is aggressive, ridicules others and is self-defeating, producing the opposite effects. This type of humor is not recommended when considering jokes for seniors living with Alzheimer’s.
Look for the bright side when choosing jokes for seniors and engaging in humor with your senior loved ones. If they can no longer drive, for example, tell them they now have their own chauffeur. Try to redirect a negative thought into a positive thought. For example, talk about funny things that happened in your senior loved one’s past or in the family history. Sing an old familiar song with your senior that will bring a smile to his or her face, even if they can’t remember the words.
Some nursing homes offer activities for residents with Alzheimer’s that include clowning with mimes, music, humorous props, and sight gags, such as mimicking a conversation through tin cans or singing. The results — a significant drop in agitation among the residents.
Inspiring Laughter
Above all, don’t be afraid to laugh with your senior loved one, but especially when they are living with Alzheimer’s. As the disease progresses, what remains is the present moment between you. So you might as well try to fill that moment with laughter.
