Using environment modification and doll therapy in dementia

Abstract

Given the rise in the global number of people with dementia, the need for interventions to reduce the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) is ever present. This paper explores the evidence for the effectiveness of two non-pharmacological approaches; doll therapy and environment modification, to reduce behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia. The evidence base is relatively weak owing to the small number of studies on this topic and the lack of rigor of the methodologies used. Despite this, the outcome from the studies reviewed generally supports the use of both interventions for reducing BPSD in people with dementia.