Role-play is acting and speaking as if you are the character you’re portraying.
The purpose of this role-play is to explain how to talk with someone who has Alzheimer’s. This also teaches children about how Alzheimer’s affects cognitive skills and speaking.
It can also help teach children how to interact with someone who has dementia or other brain issues.
- Below is a short example of bad role-play. (Mary has Alzheimer’s)
Family Member: Hey Mary, how are you doing?
Mary: No response*
Family Member: Tell me now, how are you doing?
Mary: What is Robert doing? (Robert is a random name.)
Family Member: Robert? I don’t know who Robert is. Can you tell me who this Robert guy is? I am here to ask you, how are you doing, not about Robert. Anyway, pass on that, do you want to go to the wedding?
Mary: Not sure …
Family Member: Augh, whatever, we’re going to the wedding. I am sure you’ll enjoy it. Come on! We are going to be late. When we went to the party last time, we were half an hour late. Why were we always running late?
- Below is a short example of a good role-play.
Family Member: How are you doing?
Mary: No response*
Family Member: Are you doing well today?
Mary: Yes.
Family Member: We are going to a wedding. Could you come with me, please?
Mary: What is Robert doing? (Robert is a random name.)
Family Member: Robert... oh yeah Robert, he’s a nice person. I know he’s special in your life, and I’m sure he’s doing fine right now. Could you come to the wedding with me?
Mary: …… (hesitates).
Family Member: Not sure? I will let you think about it. I’ll come back in a few minutes and ask you again.
A few minutes pass…
Family Member: (comes back). Still thinking about Robert? Well, I understand that. We all miss people who we love. Okay, you ready to go now?
Mary: Yes.