All About Reminiscence Therapy – Conversations to Remember

Dementia describes the progressive decline in human cognitive function, including changes in memory, language, behavior, and emotion. Studies have shown that the risk of dementia increases with age, most commonly affecting individuals aged 65 years and older. Given the wide variety of diseases associated with dementia, there is no standardized or definitive cure for the condition. Medical practitioners may turn to FDA-approved medications such as Kisunla and Leqembi, which slow the rate of Alzheimer’s disease progression by targeting the abnormal buildup of proteins in the brain. Still, it is just as likely for other medications that manage dementia symptoms, such as cholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA receptor antagonists, to be prescribed, which temporarily stimulate the parts of the brain involved in memory, judgment, and learning.

Beyond medical treatments, a patient’s family members or caregivers can encourage several lifestyle changes. These changes may include getting adequate sleep, incorporating a balanced diet, and partaking in regular physical activity. Though these alterations may seem minor, they can help ensure that an individual stays healthy and embraces a stress-free transition to the next stages of their life. Therapy has also been found to be beneficial to help promote relaxation and a smooth, gradual acceptance of a long-standing dementia diagnosis. Examples of therapies for people with dementia include reminiscence therapy, psychotherapy, talk therapy, cognitive stimulation therapy, and occupational therapy. The remainder of this article will focus on reminiscence therapy and how it can be successfully implemented in the care plan of an individual with dementia.

Dr. Robert Butler, a psychiatrist, found that reminiscing on past experiences or conducting a “life review” helped older adults find meaning in their lives as they continued to age, and reminiscence therapy has been in practice since the 1960s. The central goal of reminiscence therapy is to enhance an individual’s well-being by promoting a connection to their past and evoking positive memories. These memories may stem from a single event or emerge as the result of a more comprehensive reflection of life. Each retrieved memory strengthens the brain’s neural connections, making it easier for someone to access long-term memories in the future and helping with cognitive function. In other words, active recall in the context of reminiscence therapy can help slow the advancement of dementia.

To retrieve memories, a therapist might stimulate an individual’s senses with a familiar scent or sound to help the individual connect to a past experience. A family member or caregiver can help in this process by collecting old photographs, recordings of songs, perfumes, or favorite foods associated with the individual’s fond memories. Of course, triggering a physical memory is only part of reminiscence therapy; sharing the memory aloud can help an individual with dementia form deeper connections with others when they are able to articulate their thoughts. Asking open-ended questions, such as “How does this [object] make you feel?” can allow the individual to freely express themselves to construct a cohesive narrative. Reminiscence therapy has been found to reduce stress levels, improve self-esteem, and create meaningful interpersonal relations with others.

A comprehensive review published by the Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing examined the difference in dementia-related symptoms between individuals who underwent reminiscence therapy and those who did not receive any form of therapy. Reminiscence therapy was found to reduce depressive and neuropsychiatric symptoms while increasing cognitive function and quality of life. These same individuals did not experience significant changes in their ability to independently complete activities of daily living, which underscores the cognitive nature of reminiscence therapy. Nevertheless, the results of this study demonstrate the potential for reminiscence therapy to be a powerful intervention for people with dementia, particularly those living in long-term care facilities.

Despite its benefits, there are some concerns regarding reminiscence therapy. For one, some claim that triggered memories are non-specific and can be negative just as often as they are positive. Caregivers must also acknowledge the reality that people with late-stage dementia or severely impaired cognitive function will be less receptive to prompts, as they are unable to effectively recollect specific events, even with triggers. Such factors demonstrate how therapy is not meant to be a universal treatment and should only be employed if an individual is willing to cooperate. As people with dementia could just as easily benefit from other treatments or forms of therapy, it is important to discuss one’s course of action with their health care professional.

While having a licensed therapist is important to help an individual with dementia effectively navigate the strong emotions associated with their memories, people close to the individual can also provide meaningful support. For example, friends and family members may supply therapeutic prompts based on their personal relationships and shared histories, remembering to use discretion when doing so. In the meantime, practicing effective communication can help individuals with dementia express their thoughts in a safe and welcoming space. Also, paying attention to verbal and nonverbal cues can help maximize the individual’s sense of comfort. If you are interested in reminiscence therapy for a loved one, a quick Internet search can identify many opportunities for people with dementia to get the help and support they deserve.

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