Local Alzheimer's patients debut in Lutheran Home variety show

More than 30 residents at the Lutheran Home Alzheimer's Unit got a chance to shine Tuesday when they performed in a first-time variety show for family and friends.

Preparation for the event included discovering what the residents' talents were and helping them remember material to produce a successful variety show. Church hymns remained strong in the residents' memories and, once Lutheran Home activities directors Ginny Leimbach and Joyce Ourth refined the program, all that was left was about a month of practice, practice, practice.

Susan Essner, director of activities and social services, said, "Ginny Leimbach is a talented singer. I'm glad the staff uses creativity." Essner was impressed with the practice sessions she watched.

Favorite hymns like "Amazing Grace" and "Jesus Loves Me" were performed more than once, but patriotic songs, recitals of the Pledge of Allegiance and fun songs like "Let Me Call You Sweetheart" were also on the program. Residents performed in groups or with assistance from activities directors. Some even played the piano from memory.

Gina Matysik, social worker for the unit, said, "It made them feel good to participate and get applause but the next day most didn't even remember having the show," she said.

"Some of the people who performed don't even talk. I was amazed at what they remembered. Things like when it was their turn and just getting up in front of an audience. It was touching," Matysik said. "We'll probably do it again."

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys a person's memory and ability to learn, reason, make judgments, communicate and carry out daily activities. Although there is currently no cure for Alzheimer's, new treatments are on the horizon as a result of discoveries into the biology of the disease. Research has also shown that effective care and support can improve quality of life for individuals and their caregivers over the course of the disease from diagnosis until the end of life.