Therapies and Techniques
Therapies and techniques can help people with Dementia in many different ways and they offer varying success depending on the individual. People are often attracted to the natural and safe image of these therapies and it may take a small amount of investigation before the most effective one is found.
Cognitive Therapy
Cognitive therapy can be best described as taking part in activities that mirror everyday tasks that help improve memory, problem-solving, and language / numeric abilities. This can be done on a formal basis with a trainer at least a couple of times a week, or on a continuous basis with the carer or other family members. Activities include memory games, puzzles and completion of simple practical tasks.
Psychosocial Therapy
Psychosocial therapy is similar to cognitive therapy, but more emphasis is given to the development and maintenance of social skills with the help of a carer and family members who provide support. This is best carried out in the home environment and can be used to encourage the person with Dementia to keep mentally and physically active. Activities such as reminiscence therapy, lifebooks, and social interaction are commonly used.
Behavioural Therapy
Behavioural therapy is often used in conjunction with cognitive therapy to alleviate anxiety, depression, confusion and aggression. This includes an approach that addresses problem solving skills to identify the motivations behind the undesired behaviour. It is usually given by a trained carer or family member under the supervision of a health professional.
Reality Orientation Therapy
Reality orientation therapy is a good technique that can be used in a classroom type environment, such as a support group. It concentrates on current / local information such as date, time, location, and immediate acquaintances. This has been proven to help with memory retention, decrease confusion and improve self-esteem.
Multisensory Stimulation Therapy
Multisensory stimulation therapy can work well for some people. It involves the stimulation of the brain through sights, sounds, smells, and different touch sensations. Relaxing music, pleasant fragrances, and massage are all commonly used. It is often referred to as Snoezelen and was developed in the Netherlands in the 1970s.
Exercise Therapy
Exercise therapy is a gentle fitness routine that is designed to keep the person physically active and also increase blood flow to the brain for sustained periods of time. This has been proven to not only retain physical ability and motor skills, but also to reduce the speed at which the Dementia develops.
Music Therapy
Music therapy is designed to improve physical and emotional health through the use of music, through listening, song writing, performing, exploring lyrics and other activities related to music and is mainly used as part of stress related programmes. Non verbal individuals in late Dementia can become very frustrated and agitated. Engaging them in music activities can diffuse this.
Dance Therapy
Dance therapy is about using movement to develop and improve physical and psychological wellbeing. This is also used mainly as part of stress related programmes. Dance therapy is an enjoyable activity which can provide quality time for people with Dementia and their partners. It can develop concentration and procedural learning which is a long term memory initiated by a past experience. It can also help diffuse the frustration and agitation that is commonly experienced by people in the latter stages of Dementia.
Horticultural Therapy
Horticultural therapy is based on recreational activities that utilise the beneficial effects of plants and nature for the prevention or treatment of illnesses. Its periodic methods may effectively improve cognitive and psychosocial functioning of elderly people with Dementia. They may want to care for plants, plant new seedlings as well as reminisce about their gardens which can provide a link between past and present. This can also help to improve physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Caring for living things can give people with Dementia a sense of importance, boost self-esteem, and develop relationships when done in a group activity.
