USING DOLLS TO ALTER BEHAVIOUR IN PATIENTS WITH DEMENTIA

Ellingford, Jenny BSc
James, Ian PhD, MSc, BSc, C.Psychol
Mackenzie, Lorna RMN
Marsland, Lisa BSc, MSc

Jenny Ellingford, BSc, is assistant psychologist;
Ian James, PhD, MSc, BSc, C.Psychol, is clinical psychologist;
Lorna Mackenzie, RMN, is challenging behaviour nurse specialist, Centre for the Health of the Elderly; all at Newcastle General Hospital Northumberland, Tyne and Wear Trust;
Lisa Marsland, BSc, MSc, is trainee clinical psychologist, Doctorate Course in Clinical Psychology, Newcastle University.

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THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN DOUBLE-BLIND PEER-REVIEWED

Nursing Times 103(5):p 36-37, January 30, 2007.

ABSTRACT

Ellingford, J. et al (2007) Using dolls to alter behaviour in patients with dementia. Nursing Times; 103: 5, 36-37.

This study examined the impact of doll therapy by conducting a retrospective analysis of the case notes of nursing home residents with dementia three months before and after introduction of the dolls. The results provide support for previous studies that have suggested doll therapy is an effective approach to use in the care of older adults with dementia. This is a summary: the full paper and reference list can be accessed at nursingtimes.net.