DOLL THERAPY FOR DEMENTIA CARE

Some Pros and cons of this controversial therapy

Anyone who has seen it happen knows that a doll has the power to soothe and comfort people with Dementia including Alzheimer’s disease. Formal investigation of the effects that dolls can have on elderly people who have cognitive disorders is in the early stages, but talk to caregivers who have participated in doll therapy for dementia and most of them will speak positively about the experience. Dolls have been shown repeatedly to soothe and comfort people with Alzheimer’s. Although it can be discomforting to see an adult hold a doll, we need to acknowledge the benefit that doll therapy can provide.

Some object to doll therapy on the grounds that it could be demeaning, that it is tantamount to treating an adult as a child. Others criticize the technique as misleading, particularly if the doll is thought to be a real live baby. These are valid points, and anyone who introduces a doll into a care environment needs to be aware of the reactions any individual has to the introduction of a doll. If there are any negative responses perhaps doll therapy is not right for this person. At least, not at this time.

On the other hand, we have seen remarkable results in behavior, including decreases anxiety and agitation; decreased wandering and other obsessive behavior; increases in social interaction and activity in general; and a general improvement in quality of life. All this without the potential of drug side effects that are common with medications often prescribed to achieve similar results. We agree, it is not for everyone, but it is worth a try.

Eva Spreads Joy

I was speaking to my parents today, and my Mom went on about how much she loves her Doll (Luca). Her new name is Eva, my Mom’s second name. My Dad is totally amazed about the joy it is bringing my Mom. She takes it visiting in the community and lives to change her outfits. Eva is truly a blessing. Thank you so much. And, please thank the person who did such a beautiful job of creating such a wonderful doll that is so life like.

~ Elaine – Alberta, Canada

Research | Doll Therapy for Alzheimer’s

Much of the research involving doll therapy for Alzheimer’s disease has been carried out at Newcastle General Hospital in England and in care facilities in the area of Newcastle. Clinical Psychologist Ian James and nursing specialist Lorna Mackenzie, with others, reported significant improvement in the behavior of nursing home residents with dementia when dolls were introduced to the residents as a choice.
Various studies done by this group, all observing the effect of baby doll therapy on people with dementia, all reached similar conclusions.  Using dolls to alter behavior in patients with dementia, Nursing Times VOL: 103, ISSUE: 5, PAGE NO: 36-37, (a British journal, which explains the funny spelling) summed it up like this:

These conclusions are in agreement with so much anecdotal evidence reported by caregivers that credit doll therapy for Alzheimer’s with increasing quality of life for people with dementia. Some have even reported that they were able to reduce medications  as a direct result of doll therapy.

Doll therapy for Alzheimer’s? It is important that carers be onboard…

One study³ published in the journal Age and Ageing concentrated, in part, on caregiver reaction to the introduction of dolls into the care environment. Residents with dementia in two facilities in England were introduced to dolls. All of the caregivers in the facility  were given surveys before and after the study.

Although nine of the 46 staff members voiced some initial concern, mostly centering on the idea that the dolls would be ‘babyish’, ‘ totally demeaning’, ‘ patronizing’, or otherwise ‘inappropriate’. In the interview that followed the conclusion of the study, only one caregiver retained this concern. All of the others “felt that there were clear benefits of using the dolls. . . . 14 carers felt that residents’ lives were a little better, and 32 felt that their lives were much better. Strong testimony that doll therapy for Alzheimer’s and other dementia really helps.

Doll Therapy for Alzheimer’s — Not for Everyone

The nurturing instinct is strong. This instinct is a big part of the reason that doll therapy is so effective. On the other hand, it can lead to some problems that should be watched for when introducing dolls as therapy. In community settings, ownership issues have led to arguments between residents. Anxiety can result from dolls being mislaid.  Redirecting attention until the lost doll is found will usually defuse this potential calamity.

Family members of caregivers sometimes see the use of dolls as demeaning.  From the study in Age and Aging cited above:

These concerns can be even more pronounced when trying to convince family care partners that their loved one might benefit from a doll. Another study² reported, “there had been some problems using the dolls, such as arguments between residents over ownership of dolls, residents trying to feed their dolls, and dolls being mislaid leading to distress. In addition, some staff working in homes felt that the dolls may be infantilising residents.”

Other considerations: “Despite these positive findings,
* We should repeat here that doll therapy is not for everyone. If you see that it is more problematic than beneficial, discontinue it in favor of some alternate non-pharmacological therapy.

Guidelines for Doll Therapy For Alzheimer’s Disease

Doll therapy (also known as baby doll therapy) is not for everyone. More women than men will choose a doll to nurture, but some men do benefit greatly from holding a doll, so don’t rule out doll therapy for the man or men in your care. Another option to the doll is a Teddy Bear or other stuffed animal. We have a selection of bears and other animals that provide aromatherapy and heat and cold therapy as well as the therapy provided by the act of nurturing. Our best-selling Twiddle Pup and Twiddle Cats, in certain cases, would even qualify for doll therapy.

Providing doll therapy for Alzheimer’s disease

There are potential drawbacks to doll therapy. It is not for everyone with dementia. Until a bond is created between the individual and his or her doll, be alert to behaviors that may indicate that a connection will likely not happen. There are other therapies and activities that may suit that person better.

• Choose a doll that is lifelike. One that looks like a real baby, is 15 – 20 inches long, and weighs 3 – 6 pounds will get a much better response and result than one that is smaller or unrealistic looking, or one that looks like an older child. This is not to say that other dolls can’t be effective, but our recommendation is evidence based¹.
• We recommend a doll that represents an age from newborn to a year or so in age. Dolls that look like toddlers may work for some, but most people with dementia will connect better with a younger looking doll.
• Do not hand a person a doll – people don’t like responsibility imposed upon them. Place the doll where it can be discovered, or hold it yourself. Allow the individual to choose the responsibility of caring for the baby.
• Some people with dementia will think that the doll is a real baby. Others will know that it is just a doll, but love it just the same. Some will think it is alive one day, and know it is a doll the next. Be careful how you refer to the doll. If it has a name, refer to it by that name.

Introducing the therapy doll

It is important that a doll not be given directly to the person with Alzheimer’s disease. Rather it should be left somewhere, on a table or sitting in a chair, for example, somewhere that she will easily find it. This way the individual can make the choice to provide care for the doll, not feel that they are being given the responsibility to do so, which could cause anxiety or result in the doll being rejected.

For Doll Therapy to be effective, it is recommended that you use a doll that is as lifelike as possible. Introduce the doll in the middle stages of Alzheimer’s, or even in an earlier stage, depending on the individual. Often when introduced later, the person fails to or has a more difficult time making a connection with the doll. Once the connection has been made, the rest is easy. It’s a self-administering therapy.

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