BOOK OF THE WEEK: VIDEO + ARTICLE:

“Color Your Mind” is an innovative activity book for people with Alzheimer’s. It was created with insights from caregivers, neurologists, doctors, and, of course, people with Alzheimer’s. The activities, images, and approach were refined through visits to homes and care facilities. See the cheerful, inspiring coloring images in “Color Your Mind”.

BEND, Ore. — Blue Star Coloring has taken its mission to inspire wellness through creative expression to a high level. The innovative book,
Color Your Mind: A Coloring Book for Those with Alzheimer’s and the People Who Love Them
is created by award-winning journalist, best-selling author, and Alzheimer’s advocate Maria Shriver.

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Shriver’s father, Sargent Shriver, lived with Alzheimer’s. “When my father had Alzheimer’s, I struggled to find things that I could do with him. That’s why I created Color Your Mind.”

With over six million people living with Alzheimer’s in the United States alone, Color Your Mind is a passion project for Shriver, a resource for caregivers, family, and friends to help to connect with people with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.

Shriver worked with Blue Star Press, a publishing company dedicated to promoting wellness through their stress-relieving books. Together, they sought the expertise of doctors, caregiving professionals in memory-care facilities, and people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s as they developed artwork and activities. “It is hands-down the best coloring book on the market”, claims Peter Licalzi, co-founder of Blue Star Press. “The coloring book market has been saturated for some time now. Color Your Mind reflects our efforts to evolve the space. Each page was created thoughtfully and for a purpose.”

Coloring pages in the book are designed by illustrator Brita Lynn Thompson; these are found alongside activity suggestions and prompts for shared reflection and conversation. Richard Isaacson, M.D., Director of the Alzheimer’s Prevention Clinic at the Weill Cornell Medical College/New York Presbyterian Hospital notes, “This coloring book fills an unmet need; it can facilitate meaningful time and interactions between people with Alzheimer’s, their family members, and caregivers.” Color Your Mind is entirely unique in that it connects coloring with information surrounding wellness and brain health, social connection, nutrition, exercise, and more.

Shriver’s commitment to finding a cure for Alzheimer’s disease goes far beyond the pages of Color Your Mind. She has also written New York Times bestselling books and produced award-winning films and TV programs that have furthered the public’s understanding of Alzheimer’s. Shriver was recognized by the Alzheimer’s Foundation with their first ever Lifetime Achievement Award. A portion of proceeds from Color Your Mind will be donated to the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement.