Much of the research on puppet therapy for Alzheimer's disease has been conducted at the Newcastle General Hospital in England and local medical facilities in Newcastle. Clinical psychologist Ian James and nursing expert Lorna McKenzie, along with others, report a significant improvement in the behavior of demented nursing home residents when baby dolls were introduced to them. Did. Various studies by this group all observed the effect of babydoll therapy on people with dementia, and all reached similar positive conclusions. The latest "Using dolls to change the behavior of dementia patients", Nursing time VOL: 103, ISSUE: 5, PAGE NO: 36-37, the British journal summarizes:
The results of the study tested the hypothesis that after the introduction of Babydoll, baby-doll users showed an increase in positive behavior and a decrease in negative behavior. It also has less aggressive behavior than before Babydoll was introduced as a therapeutic tool. These results report that babydoll therapy is an effective approach to reduce negative and aggressive behaviors and promote more positive behaviors and moods. These conclusions are consistent with all anecdotal evidence reported by caregivers. They recognize the improved quality of life of people with dementia and the continued effectiveness of baby doll therapy. As a direct result of baby doll therapy, they even reported that they could reduce medication.
Another interesting and important observation reported in these studies is caregiver response to the introduction of baby dolls into the care environment. All caregivers in the facility were surveyed before and after the survey. Initially, nine of the 1 staff members expressed some initial concerns, centered around the recognition that the doll was a "kid's toy", "totally insulting", or other "inappropriate". did. In an interview that followed at the end of the study, only one caregiver continued to have this concern, but all others felt, "There was a clear benefit to using babydolls. Among them, 46 caregivers felt that the resident's life was a little better, and 9 caregivers felt that their life was very good.
Benefits reported by staff included calming effects, reduced loitering, increased communication, and improved spoken language. Many of them expressed the opinion that these benefits they witnessed are the result of the individual's sense of purpose in raising, loving and caring for baby dolls.
Introduction of baby dolls and plush pets
Baby dolls and pet toys should be recommended for people with Alzheimer's disease. One way is to show the baby doll or stuffed animal to someone and say, "What do you think about this?" It is easy to see if a person with Alzheimer's disease wants to hug a baby/plush toy and what he/she thinks about it. Baby dolls can be viewed as familiar grandchildren, or their own little siblings. People with Alzheimer's can also be afraid of baby dolls and consider them undesired.
It is best to introduce baby doll therapy and pet plush therapy in a friendly atmosphere created by caregivers to help dementia patients gain psychological stability. This is a positive way and can bring structural changes to their lives. The baby can help people who do not speak the language to start talking again. It is speaking, humming, and singing to the baby in her arms, which is part of the human basic thinking process (instinct).
Whether you give your loved one a baby or a memorable pet, this type of therapy can help improve the lives of people suffering from dementia.
