The Therapeutic Benefits of Baby Dolls for Severe Dementia Patients

Dementia is a progressive brain disorder that causes memory loss and other cognitive decline. It is a leading cause of disability and death in older adults. There is no cure for dementia, but there are treatments that can help to slow the progression of the disease and improve quality of life.

One treatment that has shown promise for people with dementia is doll therapy. Doll therapy is a type of therapy that uses dolls to provide comfort, companionship, and stimulation for people with dementia. Dolls can help to improve mood, reduce agitation, and increase social interaction.

The study "Baby dolls as therapeutic tools for severe dementia patients" found that doll therapy can improve mood and reduce agitation in people with dementia. The study participants were given a doll to care for and were observed for a period of six weeks. The results showed that the participants who received doll therapy had significant improvements in mood and agitation compared to the control group.

Another study, "Doll Therapy: An Intervention for Nursing Home Residents With Dementia", found that doll therapy can improve cognitive function in people with dementia. The study participants were given a doll to care for and were observed for a period of three months. The results showed that the participants who received doll therapy had significant improvements in cognitive function compared to the control group.

How Doll Therapy Works

Doll therapy works in a number of ways. First, dolls can provide comfort and companionship for people with dementia. People with dementia often experience feelings of loneliness and isolation. Dolls can provide them with a sense of connection and belonging.

Second, dolls can provide stimulation for people with dementia. Dolls can be used to play games, sing songs, and tell stories. This can help to keep people's minds active and engaged.

Third, dolls can help to improve mood. People with dementia often experience feelings of sadness, anxiety, and depression. Dolls can help to improve mood by providing a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

Benefits of Doll Therapy

There are a number of benefits to doll therapy for people with dementia. These benefits include:

• Improved mood
• Reduced agitation
• Increased social interaction
• Improved cognitive function
• Increased quality of life

How to Use Doll Therapy

Doll therapy can be used in a variety of settings, including nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and even in the home. Dolls can be used by caregivers, therapists, and even family members.

There is no one right way to use doll therapy. The best way to use doll therapy is to find what works best for the individual with dementia. Some people may enjoy playing with dolls, while others may prefer to simply hold them or keep them close.

Conclusion

Doll therapy is a promising treatment for people with dementia. It is a safe, effective, and affordable way to improve the quality of life for people with dementia and their caregivers.

References

1. Tamura, T., Nakajima, K., Nambu, M., Nakamura, K., Yonemitsu, S., Itoh, A., Higashi, Y., Fujimoto, T. and Uno, H. (2001). Baby dolls as therapeutic tools for severe dementia patients. Gerontechnology, 1(2). doi:https://doi.org/10.4017/gt.2001.01.02.004.00. ‌
2. Shin, J.H. (2015). Doll Therapy: An Intervention for Nursing Home Residents With Dementia. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 53(1), pp.13–18. doi:https://doi.org/10.3928/02793695-20141218-03. ‌
3. Santagata, F., Massaia, M. and D’Amelio, P. (2021). The doll therapy as a first line treatment for behavioral and psychologic symptoms of dementia in nursing homes residents: a randomized, controlled study. BMC Geriatrics, 21(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-021-02496-0. ‌