The effect television has on the brain has been the subject of study and discussion for almost as long as TV sets have been around. While many are fierce defenders of the benefits TV has to offer, others point to the negative effects it has on the chemistry of the brain. But of special interest is what it can do both to and for a dementia patient.
Many medical professionals are reluctant to allow patients access to television and with good reason. There is well documented evidence that shows a strong link between extended television use and the development of dementia later in life1. The elderly are particularly vulnerable to this as extended use seems to increase the decline of certain structures within the brain, speeding up the onset and progression of dementia. But once dementia has progressed to a point, another interesting phenomenon seems to take place in many patients. Suddenly television isn’t capable of holding their attention anymore2. While a great number of patients become more passive as the disease progresses and are quite content to simply sit in a chair facing a TV set, no matter what is actually playing, others become less capable of simply sitting still for extended periods. A study conducted in Iceland found that the majority of patients became less enamoured with television as the disease progressed, unless they were watching it as part of a group activity. But what does this mean practically? Does the information cited so far indicate there is absolutely no benefit to be gained from a patient having access to a television?
On the contrary, like with most things, moderation is the key. While it is true that extended television use will have detrimental effects to those both with and without dementia, if moderated there can be a lot to gain. The Icelandic study cited above mentioned that as the disease progresses, television loses its ability to capture and maintain the attention of a patient. But critically, this is most often the case when the patient is watching alone. This means that unfortunately a care-taker may lose the option to sit a patient in front of a TV for an hour or two in order to get a bit of a break, but it doesn’t mean that it isn’t still a viable group activity and may even be a useful bonding activity. Another online article suggests that watching familiar programming may actually help some buried memories resurface3. Watching an old favourite movie or series can take the patient back to a happy memory and time, back when things were simpler.
So while television use should certainly be limited, particularly in more advanced patients, it still remains a useful activity if used in moderation. Picking an old, familiar movie to watch as a family once or twice a week can be a wonderful experience for all involved. But above all else, the most important thing is, don’t forget the popcorn.
References:
2. Is Watching Television a Realistic Leisure Option for People with Dementia?
