Study: Alzheimer's Patients Still Recall Emotions

Great news for caregivers and loved ones of people with Alzheimer's disease has come out of the University of Iowa. A new study found that even though patients might not be able to recall a joke or conversation, the warm feelings associated with those experiences can stick around and boost their mood.

These findings could have direct implications for the care that Alzheimer's patients receive, according to Justin Feinstein, the study's lead author. "A simple visit or or phone call from family members might have a lingering positive influence on a patient's happiness even though the patient may quickly forget the visit or phone call," said Feinstein. "On the other hand, routine neglect from staff at nursing homes may leave the patient feeling sad, frustrated and lonely even though the patient can't remember why."

During the study, researchers showed individuals with memory loss clips of happy and sad movies. Even though the participants couldn't recall what they had watched, they still retained the emotion that the clips stirred in them.

To learn more about the study, click here.