Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive condition that impairs brain function and gradually destroys mental ability.

As the disease advances, people living with Alzheimer’s become confused, forgetful, and frequently exhibit erratic or inappropriate behavior. It’s a challenging condition to deal with and one that can be distressing for both the person living with it and their loved ones.

One way to help alleviate anxiety and stress in Alzheimer’s patients is through doll therapy. Doll therapy involves offering a doll to an individual with Alzheimer’s, which they can hold, cuddle or care for.

Advocates of doll therapy assert that it can improve quality of life for people with Alzheimer’s disease by reducing anxiety, calming agitated behavior, and increasing feelings of comfort and security.

How Doll Therapy Works

Doll therapy works on the premise that it can trigger happy memories from the past, evoke a nurturing instinct, and create a sense of purpose and focus.

For many people with Alzheimer's disease, caring for a doll can stem from their desire to nurture and care for others. Dolls provide a concrete, tangible object that can be held, hugged, or talked to. It can also provide a sense of companionship, which can be helpful for people who live alone or have little human interaction.

Research suggests that doll therapy can also help soothe some of the behavioral and psychological symptoms of Alzheimer’s patients.

Agitation, aggression, and restlessness are common among people living with Alzheimer’s disease, and can be difficult for caregivers to manage. A study on doll therapy published in Dementia: The International Journal of Social Research and Practice found that patients who cared for a doll reported significant reductions in aggressive behavior and improved mood.

How to Implement Doll Therapy

Implementing doll therapy involves, first and foremost, assessing the individual’s needs and preferences. While doll therapy can be immensely beneficial, not everyone will respond positively to using a doll.

It’s essential to respect an individual’s choice and not force them to use a doll if they don’t want to.

When introducing a doll to an Alzheimer’s patient, it’s important to adopt appropriate language and engage in role-play. A caregiver could introduce the doll as a special guest, for which they are responsible.

The caregiver can explain that the doll needs feeding, changing, and can be rocked to sleep. It can also help if the caregiver plays along with the illusion that the doll is real. By joining in this story, the caregiver can help maintain a sense of engagement and focus for the patient.

It’s also important to ensure that the doll is appropriately designed. A doll should look realistic, with features like weight, size, and texture matching those of a real baby or pet.

The doll’s clothing and accessories should also match the period in which the patient grew up. Otherwise, the doll may not resonate with their memories or trigger any nostalgia.

Limitations of Doll Therapy

Despite the apparent benefits of doll therapy, it is worth noting that it isn’t a panacea. Doll therapy is not a substitute for proper care or an effective treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.

While it may help alleviate some of the symptoms, it is not a cure. It’s also essential to remember that not everyone responds to the therapy the same way. While some patients report experiencing a significant reduction in their symptoms, others may see little to no effect.

Moreover, doll therapy can be a divisive issue among healthcare professionals, with some opposing its use entirely. They argue that it can be demeaning and infantilizing to the patient, potentially taking away from their dignity.

Others argue that it is an effective way to improve the quality of life of people with Alzheimer’s disease.

Conclusion

Doll therapy is one of many alternative interventions used to care for people living with Alzheimer’s disease.

While it can offer some positive benefits to some individuals, it is essential to approach it with caution and determine whether it is suitable for the patient. If done correctly and tailored to an individual, doll therapy can help improve the quality of life of those living with Alzheimer’s disease and their loved ones.