World Alzheimer’s Day: When Words Become a Bridge to Memory

Poetry, Writing and the Gentle Power of Expression

Every year, 21 September is observed as World Alzheimer’s Day, a day that reminds us to look beyond the diagnosis and remember the person—their memories, emotions, relationships, stories and individuality.

Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia can gradually affect memory, communication and everyday functioning. But even when some memories become difficult to retrieve, the need to express, connect and participate does not disappear.

And this is where creative activities can have a meaningful place.

Can poetry become a language of memory?

Poetry is not simply about remembering lines.

It involves listening, attention, language, rhythm, pronunciation, emotion and expression. Reciting a familiar poem can bring together several of these elements in one gentle activity.

Research on poetry interventions in dementia has found potential benefits in areas such as communication, socialisation and behavioural and emotional engagement, although the evidence base is still developing and poetry should not be considered a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.

Sometimes a familiar poem, song or line can evoke something deeply personal—a childhood memory, a familiar voice, a place, a festival or simply a feeling.

The words may be old.The memory they awaken may be precious.

And what about writing?

Writing can be another gentle form of cognitive and emotional engagement.

A diary entry, a few lines of poetry, a childhood memory, a favourite quotation, or even a simple description of the day can encourage a person to think, recall, organise thoughts and express themselves.

A 2025 systematic review examining writing-based interventions—including journaling, poetry and memory notebooks—reported potential cognitive, emotional and social benefits in mild cognitive impairment and dementia, while also highlighting the need for further research.

Writing does not have to be perfect.

It does not have to be grammatically flawless.

It does not even have to be long.

A few words written regularly can become a small record of a life, a thought or a feeling.

Why regular creative engagement matters

Creative activities can offer more than cognitive stimulation. They can create routine, social connection, confidence and a sense of participation.

A recent 2026 network meta-analysis of recreational therapies in mild cognitive impairment and dementia found benefits across different outcomes depending on the activity, including cognition, language/verbal fluency, neuropsychiatric symptoms and psychosocial outcomes. The researchers also emphasised that effects vary by type of activity.

This is why the objective should not be:

“How much can we make someone remember?”

Perhaps a more compassionate question is:

“How can we keep the person engaged, expressive, connected and valued?”

Where does Shrutimanjari fit in?

At Shrutimanjari, poetry is approached not merely as performance, but as a practice involving listening, language, pronunciation, rhythm, memory, interpretation and expression.

Our sessions can provide a structured creative space where learners can:

• Recite poetry and practise language and expression

• Listen and respond to poems and stories

• Write regularly—poems, thoughts, memories or short reflections

• Practise voice modulation, articulation and speech clarity

• Participate in Sahitya Charcha and meaningful conversations

• Enjoy the social experience of learning with others

• Continue creative learning at different stages of life

For older adults and senior citizens, such activities can become a joyful routine rather than another “exercise” for the brain.

And importantly, Shrutimanjari's classes should be viewed as creative and educational enrichment—not as a medical treatment or substitute for professional dementia care. Anyone experiencing memory or cognitive difficulties should continue to receive appropriate assessment and care from qualified healthcare professionals.

A place where age does not define creativity

At Shrutimanjari, we believe that learning does not have an expiry date.

A child can discover poetry.A young adult can discover expression.A parent can rediscover a forgotten passion.A senior citizen can revisit literature, memories and stories.

Because the human mind is not only a storehouse of memories—it is also a place of imagination, emotion and expression.

This World Alzheimer’s Day, let us make room for more listening, more conversation, more poetry and more writing.

Let every voice be heard.Let every story have a place.Let every memory be treated with dignity.

Shrutimanjari

Poetry Recitation • Speech Clarity • Creative Expression • Sahitya Charcha

Because sometimes, a poem is not just something we remember—it is something that helps us remember who we are.

Research references

• Poetry interventions in Alzheimer’s and dementia care: A scoping review — PubMed, 2025.

• Writing as cognitive rehabilitation in MCI and dementia: A systematic review — PubMed, 2025.

• Comparative effectiveness of recreational therapies on cognition, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and psychosocial outcomes in individuals with MCI and dementia — PubMed, 2026.

• Systematic review of arts and culture-based interventions for people living with dementia and their caregivers — PubMed, 2023.