A scheme has been launched to bring back the memories of Angus people living with dementia.
Dementia memory boxes filled with objects and pictures are now available to families and healthcare professionals.
These will prompt recollections of childhood, holidays, home life, days at work, hobbies, wildlife, the countryside, and a range of other experiences.
Contents are selected to exercise all the senses — for example a photo of home baking that smells of custard.
Developed in association with Alzheimer Scotland and clinical practitioners, the initiative was launched by Angus Alive at Kirriemuir Library.
Lindsay Shaw of Alzheimer Scotland said: “The objects, photos and books contained within the boxes can help to stimulate memories and encourage conversation.
“We are delighted that the boxes are available in all of the Angus libraries and would encourage people living with dementia and their carers to give them a try.”
The boxes contain memory catalysts, including items such as hats, old photos, postcards, newspapers, a tub of sand, baby powder and a busy hands activity cushion.
They can be booked online, at libraries and the mobile service.
Lending terms for library members are the same as it would be for borrowing a book and at present there are 25 boxes and 12 bags available.
Adult and community development coordinator Christine Sharp said: “One of the effects of dementia is that it affects the ability to hold meaningful conversations.
“This new dementia memory box project addresses the need to provide a way for interaction between the person with dementia and their family or carer.
“We have worked closely with health and social care professionals as well as dementia organisations to identify the best visual, tactile and sensory items for inclusion in the memory boxes to stimulate memory and conversation and support people in all stages of dementia.”
The project has been funded with support from the Public Library Improvement Fund and the next phase of the project is to provide books on dementia in libraries across the county.
Kirriemuir has been at the forefront of promoting interaction with those affected by dementia, following the opening of the Kirrie Connections hub.
A dementia-friendly garden is also opening in Rosefield Gardens on Monday.
Kirriemuir woman Amanda Kopel is fighting for Frank’s Law to be enacted in Scotland, which would enable free personal care for under-65s with a range of debilitating conditions.
Mrs Kopel began campaigning after her husband, former Dundee United player Frank Kopel, only became eligible for free care a short time before his death.