The Research Behind Using Therapy Dolls For Dementia And Alzheimer's

Dementia and Alzheimer’s are often used interchangeably to describe similar symptoms, but the two conditions differ. Dementia can be used as a general term to describe a decline in cognitive function, impacting memory and reasoning. Alzheimer’s, on the other hand, is a specific disease that accounts for up to 80% of all dementia cases. 

An estimated 6.7 million US adults 65 and older have Alzheimer’s, making up 10.7% of the elderly population. Some experts anticipate that by 2050, the number of people living with dementia may triple. 

The use of therapy dolls is a relatively recent strategy for managing symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s, and several studies seem to support this technique. This article will explore the benefits of therapy dolls after addressing some possible causes and symptoms of dementia in older people.

Causes and symptoms

While there may be no single known cause for dementia, scientists believe some characteristics can increase a person’s individual risk level. Some of these factors such as age, family history, and genetics, for instance, may not be preventable. However, there are other factors that you may be able to influence, including injuries, heart health, social activity, and mental engagement.

Close family and friends may be the first to notice signs of dementia in an older adult. Cognitive changes can include:

• Memory loss
• Difficulty finding words, solving problems, and handling complex tasks
• Disorientation and confusion
• Difficulty with coordination and motor functions
• People with dementia may also undergo psychological changes such as:

• Depression
• Aggression
• Paranoia
• Hallucinations

Challenges of caring for people with these conditions

Caring for people with memory loss can come with a unique set of challenges. They may need help with physical activities like bathing, eating, and washing clothes, for example. 

Caregivers may also need to arrange social interaction and handle medical needs for the individual. Family caregivers might be responsible for handling the finances of a loved one living with dementia. Caregivers, whether they are family or healthcare professionals, may need to anticipate and plan for how they will handle these changes.

Therapy dolls and their use in treating dementia and alzheimer’s

Doll therapy was introduced to long-term care institutions in the 1980s to support dementia patients who exhibited challenging behaviors. This type of therapy can involve using life-like dolls, called therapy dolls, to manage cognitive and behavioral deficiency symptoms such as depression and anxiety. Since therapy dolls are relatively recent, research about them may be limited. However, most of the present studies on their efficacy report positive results. 

Benefits of using therapy dolls

Since the number of people with dementia may increase significantly in the coming years, relying on medicine as the only intervention might not be a realistic solution. As a result, professionals are looking into other strategies that may support these patients. Research and anecdotal evidence point to several possible benefits of using therapy dolls for dementia and Alzheimer’s, including:

• Reduced anxiety and agitation
• Improved mood and behavior 
• Enhanced communication and socialization
• Decreases in wandering and obsessive behavior
• Increased displays of pleasure
• Emotional comfort and purposeful activity

Some older people with memory loss may interact with a therapy doll like a real child. Positive, nurturing feelings can emerge as they hold, soothe, and rock the therapy doll.

Limitations of therapy dolls

Therapy dolls can be helpful in managing some symptoms of dementia. Still, caregivers may need to exercise caution when implementing doll therapy. For example, dementia patients who view dolls as real babies may sometimes experience fatigue from the responsibility of constantly caring for a baby. Caregivers may need to monitor patients and intervene when necessary to prevent this therapy from becoming a burden.

Characteristics of therapy dolls

Studies have found that some specific characteristics of therapy dolls may be more beneficial than others. For example, realistic-looking dolls that cry have been shown to cause distress in patients, so it may be best to avoid these. 

Researchers also seem to prefer dolls with eyes that open and close since patients may believe that a doll is dead if it cannot open its eyes. Other helpful characteristics may include realistic shape and size, soft skin, a smile, and individualized clothing. 

Research on the effectiveness of therapy dolls

Below are a few studies that have examined the impact of therapy dolls on dementia and Alzheimer’s patients: 

• In 2022, researchers completed a systematic review of available studies, including seven relevant studies in their analysis. Almost 80% of the study participants were female, with a mean age of 85. The studies concluded that people who use therapy dolls may demonstrate fewer aggressive behaviors, improved communication skills, and less roughness and irritability. 
• A 2021 study in Italy included 52 people from two different nursing homes. After participating in doll therapy, individuals displayed less agitation and aggression. They were also less prone to wander and less apathetic. Researchers also noted a significant reduction in the professional caregiver burden after residents participated in doll therapy.
• A 2016 systematic review of 12 studies affirmed that doll therapy could improve cognitive, emotional, and behavioral symptoms associated with dementia. In addition, participants were generally able to relate better to their external environment. The authors argued that, although there may be ethical concerns, doll therapy can be a part of person-centered care.
• Researchers in Japan tested the impact of doll therapy using an infant-like robot designed to have an abstract body with no facial features but to emit a recorded infant voice. Not only did patients accept the doll, but they interacted positively with it. Some even showed signs of a stimulated imagination, with some residents speaking about feeding or changing the doll. 

Where can further research go?

Preliminary studies seem to support the use of doll therapy in treating people with dementia and Alzheimer’s, but more research may be needed before definitive claims can be made. Scientists suggest that future studies should include a larger sample size and more diverse demographics. Current studies also seem to focus on female participants, so further research may need to investigate how doll therapy can impact patients of other genders. In addition, the parameters of doll therapy are not yet clearly defined. Experts in the field may need to clarify what successful doll therapy might look like and create guidelines for its possible application.

Controversies regarding therapy dolls

While doll therapy may provide several benefits for people with dementia or Alzheimer’s, not everyone agrees with the practice. Some people argue that therapy dolls infantilize the elderly by providing them with a toy meant for children. These critics are concerned that the practice may diminish the patient’s dignity and autonomy and encourage caregivers to treat them like children rather than adults. 

There are also ethical concerns about patients being deceived. Many therapy dolls are designed to look like a real baby, perhaps making it difficult to distinguish what is real from what is not. However, some experts argue against this claim on the grounds that patients with memory loss do not see and interpret the world in the same way as others.

One author points out that how a person views these controversies may depend on their ethical beliefs: Is it morally sound to provide a patient happiness through means of deceit? This decision may ultimately be up to each individual caregiver. 

How online therapy can prevent caregiver burnout

While doll therapy may have some benefits, it might not completely remove the strain put on caregivers. Whether it is a family member, friend, or staff member, someone involved in caring for a patient with dementia may be prone to burnout or caregiver fatigue. This can, in turn, lead to the development of anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions. 

Although a mental health professional may be able to help a caregiver work through these challenges, seeking that care can be problematic. Caring for a dementia or Alzheimer’s patient may be demanding, leaving little time to make physical appointments. 

Online therapy can provide a viable solution to these restrictions. Caregivers can meet with a therapist online at their convenience (i.e., during their lunch break or while a dementia patient sleeps) without worrying about driving to and from a therapist’s office.

One study examined the impact of an online therapy program to address compassion fatigue and burnout. People who completed the program saw a significant change in secondary traumatic stress-related outcomes. They were able to better detect compassion fatigue symptoms and implement strategies to reduce the strain. In addition, 70% of participants said they would recommend the online program.