Low-cost, repeatable activities for your clients: introducing Cognitive Books at the Care Show

For dementia care, personal experience is often the driver for innovation and change. Cognitive Books help people living with dementia maintain their love of reading, with their range of  ‘looking back at ….’ books being inspired by someone very close to the author’s heart.

Matt Singleton has vivid, joyful memories of his father, Brian, reading books on summer holidays… but Alzheimer’s Disease means Brian can’t focus on the evolving plot of a story. Matt searched for a suitable book, but nothing worked. As a gerontologist with strong knowledge of dementia and vast experience in innovation, Matt saw a problem and solved it!

Through working with Alzheimer’s Society and leading dementia experts, Cognitive Books developed further, drawing on thorough research and lived experience to create dynamic reading material for people living with dementia and other cognitive difficulties in collaboration with Alzheimer's Society. This unique offering is much needed in the care industry, as highlighted by one of the world’s leading dementia academics, Professor Gill Livingston of University College London:

“Most people with dementia can read but there are few books designed specifically for them. Cognitive Books are written for the needs of people with dementia. They have the potential to give pleasure and may help improve social functioning.”

Practical activities rooted in research: looking back at …

looking back at... The Beatles, which includes a free audio version narrated by renowned actor Bill Nighy, and looking back at … The 1966 World Cup with free audio read by commentator Clive Tyldesley, plus a foreword by Sir Geoff Hurst, combine accessible narratives with techniques to stimulate conversation. These beautifully illustrated hard-backed books with rhyming passages throughout, address the specific barriers that prevent people living with dementia from reading.

Cognitive Books offer a suite of activities that spark engagement. Care professionals use the books in group and one-to-one sessions for reminiscence and cognitive stimulation therapy, and wider applications such as music therapy.

The free audio encourages group engagement as residents or service users can follow the book together and helps make the books accessible for those who are sight impaired. The books can be used in a range of settings and situations. In this example from Deborah Langton at

Benslow Care Homes, they’re used to enhance themed events for residents and service users:

“We’ve also used the ‘looking back at … The 1966 World Cup’ during the run-up to England playing at the 2024 European Championship which helped our residents discuss and connect to current events.”

Care professionals visiting the Care Show

The third publication, which is based on a well-known, popular TV show, is published soon, but care professionals attending the Care Show at Birmingham NEC on 9th and 10th October can find out exactly which show this is when they visit the Cognitive Books stand!

There is also a chance to purchase sets of all three books for care settings at a discount price.

As a physical, long-lasting item that can be enjoyed by more than one person, Cognitive Books offer a valuable addition for settings such as a care home, dementia cafés and day centres. As reflected by a “Cognitive Bookworm” living with dementia, Martina Davis:

“I’m a big fan of technology and innovation helping someone living with dementia, but they only have a finite time as the condition progresses. You need to go back to solid basics like a book. Something you can hold, something that feels familiar, that you can enjoy with someone else and have that social interaction – what a wonderful gift that is. Cognitive Books have longevity.”

A collaborative approach to dementia care

Endorsed by leading experts and created in collaboration with Alzheimer's Society, Cognitive Books enhance the quality of life for people living with dementia and other cognitive difficulties.

In the landscape of dementia care, they represent a practical, research-backed approach to professionals that support their clients. Join us at the Care Show and, together, let's explore the transformative potential of Cognitive Books in dementia care.

cognitivebooks.co.uk