This document discusses the use of doll therapy as an intervention for patients with dementia. It provides background on the prevalence of dementia and doll therapy. Evidence suggests doll therapy can help diminish anxiety, promote calmer interactions, and increase communication for dementia patients. However, implementation requires care. Forcing dolls may increase distress. The client should guide engagement. Educating therapists and informing families can help ensure appropriate and ethical use of doll therapy. Overall, when implemented carefully, doll therapy shows promise for positively engaging dementia patients and reducing problematic behaviors.

1. Richard Zecha
Amanda Shea

2. P- Person/Population
I- Intervention
C-Comparison
O-Outcome
Will the use of baby dolls as an intervention for patients
with dementia help increase motivation, decrease
frustration, and have a calming effect on the patient
allowing them to positively engage and socialize with

3. Prevalence
of Dementia
● New case of dementia occurs every 4
seconds (WHO)
● Estimated 40 million people
worldwide have some form of
dementia
● Expected to grow to 115 million by
2050
● Cost of dementia care = $604 billion
globally
(Mitchell, et al., 2014)., (Hahn, 2015)

4. Prevalence of Doll Therapy
Among Patients With Dementia
●Not a recent phenomenon, it has been used for over a
decade (Mitchell, et al., 2014).
●Up until 2006, it had been employed rather
inconsistently as there were neither empirical studies
nor published manuals concerning its use (James,
2006).
●In The Newcastle Challenging Behavior Service (UK)
was the first group to empirically study doll therapy
(Mitchell, et al., 2014).

5. Pros
● Dolls have been used as a reminiscence tool to develop a therapeutic bond,
influence pro-social behaviours, provide sensory stimulation and enhance
communication (James et al., 2006).
● After an observational study conducted with an OTS, it was found that the
presence of a doll on the ward increased speech and communication
(Heathcote, 2014).
● There was a display of increased alertness and social gestures along with
diminished agitation when dolls and stuffed animals were present (Greer, et
al., 2002).
● Provides comfort, reduce restlessness, and appeal to their sense of
nurturing by providing something for them to care for (Heathcote, 2014).

6. Cons
●Ethics
○Infantilization (James,2006)
○Deception and undermining dignity( Andrew, 2006)
●Dolls that cry and have eyes that close can increase
anxiety and distress ( Heathcote, et al., 2014).
●Some people often put their dolls as first priority over
their own well-being( James, 2006).

7. Case Study: ICRC Client

8. Summary
There is evidence that the use of dolls as an intervention
has helped diminish anxiety and promote a calmer demeanor
in order for those with dementia to interact with others in a
more positive manner. It is important to note that the client
should be the one that “guides” this type of therapy. Do not
force the doll on anyone, instead let them engage first. Also
informing family members of this type of therapy is
important so they understand its use. Educating therapists
on appropriate implementation of dolls would be beneficial.

9. Playtime

10. References
Andrew, A. (2006). The ethics of using dolls and soft toys in dementia care. Nursing & Residential Care, 8(9), 419-421 3p.
Greer, K.L., Pustay, K.A., Zaun, T.C., & Coppens, P. (2002)). A Comparison of the Effects of Toys versus Live Animals on the
Communication of Patients with Dementia of the Alzheimer’s Type. Clincal Gerontologist. 24(¾), 157.
Heathcote, J., & Clare, M. (2014). Doll therapy: therapeutic or childish and inappropriate? Nursing & Residential Care, 16(1), 22-
26 5p.
Hahn, S. (2015). Using environment modification and doll therapy in dementia. British Journal Of Neuroscience Nursing, 11(1),
16-19 4p.
James, I.A. Mackenzie, L., & Mukaetova-Ladinska, E. (2006). Doll use in care homes for people with dementia. International
Journal Of Geriatric Psychiatry, 21(11), 1093-1098. Doi: 10-1002/gps. 1612
Mitchell, G., & Templeton, M. (2014). Ethical considerations of doll therapy for people with dementia. Nursing Ethics, 21(6), 720-
730 11p. doi:10.1177/0969733013518447