ITV Studios has released a new book about Coronation Street, which has been written for people living with dementia and other cognitive difficulties.
“Looking back at.. Classic Coronation Street” is one of the first books of its kind and has been written in collaboration with Alzheimer’s Society and Cognitive Books.
“My dad has always loved reading. I fondly remember him always having a book in his hand when he had time away from his busy job,” explained Matt Singleton, gerontologist and founder of Cognitive Books.
“Dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia in 2017. My heart sank when Colleen, my step-mum, told me one day not to buy dad any more books as he wasn’t reading anymore. I realised that, due to dementia, dad was finding focusing on the evolving plot of a story very challenging.
“Given my knowledge of dementia, and innovation due to both my Masters’ degree in gerontology, and work, I seized the opportunity to solve the problem and that’s how the idea of Cognitive Books was born.
“Looking back at … Classic Coronation Street is a theme that many people living with dementia, their loved ones and carers have said they’d like to see on shelves. We hope readers gain as much enjoyment from the book as they have had from Corrie over the years!”
The book uses familiar stories, rhyme and rhythm for recall and illustrations to being the first 30 years of Coronation Street to life.
By solving many of the barriers people with dementia face when reading, it is a way for readers to share early memories of the show with loved ones or carers.
Singleton worked with people with dementia in the development and testing phase.
“The collaboration with Cognitive Books as part of Alzheimer’s Society Accelerator Programme demonstrates the positive impact there can be when expertise, dedication and a shared vision come together,” added Simon Lord, Head of Innovation at Alzheimer’s Society.
“As one in three people born today will develop dementia in their lifetime, Alzheimer’s Society’s Innovation Team is committed to developing products that enrich daily experiences and improve health and wellbeing. These products aren’t just approved by us, but by the people whose lives they will impact, thanks to our panel of people living with dementia who work closely with us.”
