Therapy For Dementia And Alzheimer’s Disease: 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 in patients with dementia
- 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 for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease: How to provide therapy for 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 realistic 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 dolls in therapy for dementia
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 realistic therapy doll.
Limitations of therapy dolls
Therapy dolls can be helpful in managing some symptoms of dementia, especially if in the mid to late stages. 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.
Doll therapy: Research on the effectiveness of therapy dolls
Below are a few studies that have examined the impact of realistic 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.
What’s next for research on the use of therapy dolls for dementia and Alzheimer’s?
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 realistic 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.
How effective is online therapy?
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.
Takeaway
Read more below for answers to questions asked about therapy dolls for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
What is baby doll therapy in dementia care?
Baby doll therapy, or the use of realistic therapy dolls, is a new technique or therapy strategy to manage symptoms of dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other medical conditions in adults. It is appropriate for those in the mid-late stages of dementia. With baby doll therapy, realistic baby dolls help fill the strong need to nurture.
What are therapy dolls used for?
Therapy dolls are used in the therapeutic setting, and they can have many benefits, especially for patients with a dementia diagnosis in the mid to late stages. Baby doll therapy promotes emotional well-being and may improve overall quality of life as a person living with dementia decides to initiate engagement with the realistic baby doll.
Why do Alzheimer's disease patients have dolls?
Baby doll therapy could have many benefits for people living with Alzheimer’s disease, especially those in the later stages. Engaging with the doll can reduce their agitation, provide comfort, encourage interaction, and help them discover a sense of purpose in life. The sight of the dolls may calm those who are feeling restless and anxious. It may even improve their food intake, which can also improve their overall health.
What is the most effective therapy for dementia?
There is still no cure or treatment for dementia, but it is found that cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) and other therapies, combined with medication, can help manage symptoms. These treatments can be beneficial to improve the quality of life of patients with dementia, especially if diagnosed in the early stages.
What are the disadvantages of baby doll therapy?
Some disadvantages of baby doll therapy include:
- Possibility of infantilization
- Overattachment
- Potential negative stigma
What is the difference between Alzheimer's disease and dementia?
Dementia is the general term for a decline in mental ability that can be debilitating, while Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia.
What is the main goal of therapy for patients who have dementia?
The main goal of therapy for dementia patients can be as follows:
- Improve quality of life and experience joy
- Maintain independence
- Maximize function by addressing physical, cognitive, and behavioral challenges
How to use dolls in play therapy?
Baby dolls can be used as a tool for kids to express how they feel, understand their emotions by observing how they respond to the baby dolls, explore relationships and interactions, and process their experiences in a safe space. It may be useful to have a duplicate doll to replace one that may be misplaced or broken.
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