New method for dementia treatment: Baby therapy

Aiming to improve the quality of life of dementia patients, “baby therapy” reduces anxiety and restlessness by reenacting past parenting experiences. However, there are important points to consider when applying the method.

Dementia is a disorder that can affect individuals’ perception of time and place, causing restlessness and anxiety. This can also negatively affect the patient’s relationship with their environment. Proper organization of the environment helps reduce these problems and minimizes medication use. Doll therapy, an approach that has recently attracted attention, offers an effective alternative to this need.
Doll therapy is a therapy method that uses realistic dolls. It provides calm and peace to dementia patients by reminding them of their past parenting roles. For example, a patient who thinks they have lost their baby or hears a crying baby can correct their misperceptions by establishing a sensory bond with these dolls.
Studies show that empathy dolls can improve the quality of life by reducing restlessness and anxiety in patients with dementia.

These dolls provide emotional relief while reviving past memories in patients. However, not every patient may benefit from this therapy in the same way.
This method may not be suitable, especially for individuals who have experienced trauma such as the loss of a child or who have no parenting experience.

Some circles criticize doll therapy for “infantilizing” patients. In addition, technological alternatives such as interactive empathy dolls and artificial intelligence-supported robots have also begun to be used in dementia care. However, the effects of these tools are still a matter of debate.
Doll therapy can be an effective method for dementia patients to find peace. However, it is of great importance that the therapy is applied according to individual needs, that misuse is prevented, and that patients’ reactions are carefully observed.
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