A neuroscientist named Lisa Genova has an idea that makes sense. When interacting with people dealing with dementia, the words "yes, and" come in handy. Lisa explores the place of improv in working with Alzheimer's patients. Rather than continuously correcting a person whose reality does not match our own, we could jump in and see where it goes. Perhaps an elderly woman makes a statement.

"My brother came to visit me today." The caregiver may be pretty sure that no such guest appeared at the nursing home, but that does not preclude wishing. 

"Yes he did! And did he have his poodle with him? The one he likes to have groomed to look like a lion?"

In an improv sketch, there is no need to parcel out right and wrong. My daughter taught our family some games, where one person leaps into a scenario, and the other has to keep it alive.

"Lady, I am willing to drive you to the airport but I can't see out the back window. Your baby giraffe has got to crouch down."

"Oh, yes, Sorry. It's Geneva, and she loves to see out the window. I'll move her over. Hey! Look out for that herd of elephants!"

While most of us have the good fortune to live with people who still know what year it is, and which side of the road to drive on, even these relationships do well to employ a dose of compassion. 

"You want to go on a cruise next summer? What a great idea! What do you say, the Caribbean or Scandanavia? Maybe both?"

The pocketbook may get the last word in the end, but how dear is it to swish aside cold limitations with the person we love, even if only for the length of a sketch?