I have frontotemporal dementia. Over years I have not responded well or appropriately when receiving gifts.

So I thought it would be a good idea to put together a mind model of things you might want to consider when purchasing a holiday or birthday gift for a loved one living with dementia.

Here are three mind models (mind maps) on the gift giving process when the recipient is living with dementia or cognitive impairment.

For each of the images, click on it to expand.

The first diagram shows a set of practical considerations you should think about when selecting a gift.

The second diagram is a list of possible gifts that might also help both the person with dementia and the caregiver. Most of these suggestions are relatively inexpensive.

The third diagram shows the primary consideration in gift giving for persons with dementia.

Each of these mind models is derived from my own experience as well as my training in psychology. The models are merely ones that apply to myself and may not fit your situation. Hopefully, though, even if the models do not fit your loved one, these mind maps will get you thinking that a somewhat different approach to gift giving might be appropriate at this time.

My suggestions are focused toward gifts that might help the person with dementia and the caregiver deal with some of the symptoms of the disease.

Do realize that with certain types of dementia, there is a significant possibility that the person with dementia will not respond well to the gift. In that case suggest that you can return it, but don’t rush to do so as the longer reaction after a couple of days may be very favorable.

Happy Holidays and special occasions to all.