therapy

Speech Therapy for Dementia Treatment

Trevor Howitt Blog, Prevention , , ,
Speech Therapy for dementia treatment

Individuals with dementia or their carers should consider speech therapy for dementia when an individual with the progressive illness has communication problems. Dementia is a progressive disease that can cause a person with the illness to experience various communication difficulties such as:

  • Inability to find the proper words to use
  • Using substitute for words
  • Not using words at all
  • Going back to the first language that a person learned as a child
  • Using words without any meaning
  • Difficulties following conversations, etc.

The illness can also cause drinking, eating, and swallowing challenges.

Learning how to communicate with others effectively is important for persons living with dementia.

With the onset of dementia, it is common for speech-related issues to progress. It is important to note that speech therapy is not only used to treat lost language function and speech, but it also enhances memory loss deficits and multiple cognitive functions. This is why individuals with dementia seek speech therapy to improve their current functions.

Speech and language pathologists have the skills and knowledge to assess and manage the issues effectively.

Before digging deeper into how speech therapy can help persons with dementia, let’s first discuss what speech therapy is.

What is Speech Therapy?

speech therapy for dementia

Speech therapy can be described as an intervention service that focuses on improving verbal and non-verbal language. It can also be defined as the assessment as well as treatment of speech disorders and communication problems. This is performed by speech-language pathologists who are also known as speech therapists.

The professionals mostly focus on 2 areas of treatment and these are:

  1. Addressing fluency, articulation, and voice-volume recognition via mouth coordination.
  2. How to express and use language through various alternative and traditional communication forms like body, written, social media, sign, and computer, etc.

With this in mind, let’s jump into how speech therapy helps persons with dementia.

How Individuals with Dementia Benefit from Speech Therapy

how do individuals with dementia benefit from speech therapy

Speech pathologists can help individuals with dementia through all the stages of the illness. Some of the ways speech therapy for dementia can help persons with the progressive illness and these include:

Maintains level of independence

Speech therapy can help people maintain their level of independence for a longer time. It helps to stimulate cognitive ability through various activities that relate to the underlying cognitive domain.

Learn how to modify the environment

Persons working with speech pathologists learn how to modify their environment and compensate for their deficits. This is vital because it helps affected individuals adapt well to the changes that are brought about by dementia.

Management strategies

Speech pathologists can also help access how people drink, eat, or swallow. The professionals offer management strategies for mealtimes if they notice any dysfunction.

The language-speech pathologists also gauge the person’s capacity to consent to care and treatment.

Caretakers can rely on the experts to communicate relevant details to the person who has the illness. This ensures that the affected persons can process the information in the best possible way.

What Does Speech Therapy for Dementia Involve?

what does speech therapy involve

When it comes to speech therapy for dementia, professionals come up with personalized speech and language therapy programs that will take into consideration the severity of the illness. A program may involve assessments, reviews, reports, education, advice, and support programs.

When dealing with a person who has speech issues, speech therapists may indulge them in various exercises like repeating words, naming pictures, and teaching techniques that strengthen the mouth’s muscles.

Speech and language pathologists may also guide an individual through workouts that train the muscles a person uses for swallowing. This helps improve an individual’s ability to swallow while reducing the risk of food going through the windpipe into the lungs. In the event where swallowing is extremely challenging, the pathologists may suggest alternative feeding methods like feeding tubes.

Support for Caregivers

support for dementia caregivers

When talking about speech therapy for dementia, expert speech and language therapists also beneficial support for caregivers. This helps to maximize effective communication, skills, knowledge, and quality of life. It also minimizes anxiety and stress. Enhanced communication has an impact on:

  • Peer relationships
  • Selfcare
  • Social skills
  • Behavior

Keep in mind that early intervention is usually best. Persons with dementia or their carers should consult speech or language pathologists as soon as possible to enjoy all the benefits that come with working with the experts.

Best Therapy Dolls for Dementia: 6 Reviewed Options

ReaDementia Team Blog, Shop , ,
Best therapy dolls for dementia

Looking for the best therapy dolls for dementia? We originally reviewed a selection of dementia therapy dolls in 2023. This guide has now been updated to remove products that are no longer available and to focus on six options that remain relevant.

Therapy dolls may provide comfort, companionship and a sense of purpose for some people living with dementia. However, they are not suitable for everyone, and the person’s individual preferences and response should always guide their use.

Affiliate disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through one of these links, ReaDementia may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Before choosing a doll, you may also want to read our guide to the pros and cons of doll therapy for dementia.

Best Therapy Dolls for Dementia: Quick Picks

  • Best purpose-designed option: Newborn Comfort Therapy Doll
  • Best premium lifelike option: Ashton-Drake Comfort Doll
  • Best soft weighted reborn option: CHAREX Reborn Baby Doll
  • Best washable option: JIZHI Lifelike Reborn Baby Doll
  • Best well-reviewed alternative: Zero Pam Reborn Baby Doll
  • Best budget weighted option: Kaydora Reborn Baby Doll

Can Therapy Dolls Help People With Dementia?

Doll therapy is a non-drug, person-centered activity that has been used in dementia care for many years.

A systematic review indexed by the U.S. National Library of Medicine found that doll therapy was associated with improvements in emotional state, communication and some behavioral symptoms in people with dementia.

A later systematic review and meta-analysis also reported potential benefits for behavioral and psychological symptoms, including agitation, among nursing-home residents with dementia.

However, therapy dolls should not be presented as a guaranteed treatment. Some people enjoy and connect strongly with a doll, while others may be uninterested, uncomfortable or even distressed by one.

What to Look for in a Therapy Doll

realistic therapy doll for a person with dementia

The best therapy doll will depend on the individual.

Useful features can include:

  • A soft, comfortable body
  • Appropriate weight
  • A realistic but friendly appearance
  • Durable construction
  • Easy-to-clean materials
  • Clothing that is easy to remove and wash
  • Moveable arms and legs
  • A size that is comfortable to hold

A highly realistic doll may appeal to one person, while another may prefer something softer and less realistic.

How to Introduce a Therapy Doll

Do not force a person with dementia to interact with a doll.

Instead, introduce the doll naturally and allow the person to notice it in their own time.

If they show interest, you might ask:

  • “Would you like to hold the baby?”
  • “What do you think of this little one?”
  • “Would you like to sit with the baby for a while?”

Observe their response.

If they smile, cuddle the doll, talk to it or appear relaxed, the experience may be positive.

If they become anxious, distressed or irritated, remove the doll gently and try another activity.

If the person recognizes that it is a doll, there is no need to insist otherwise. You can simply talk about how lifelike it looks or use it to encourage memories and conversation.

6 Best Therapy Dolls for Dementia Reviewed

1. Newborn Comfort Therapy Doll – Alzheimer’s Store

Newborn Comfort Therapy Doll for dementia

The Newborn Comfort Therapy Doll remains one of the strongest options in this guide because it is specifically selected for adults with memory loss rather than being designed primarily as a children’s toy.

The approximately 19-inch doll has a soft weighted fabric body with molded head and limbs. Its weighting helps create a more substantial and realistic feeling when held.

Several styles are available, allowing caregivers to choose a doll that may feel familiar and appropriate for the individual.

The specialist memory-care design is the main reason we rate this product highly. It is more expensive than many ordinary reborn dolls, but families looking for a purpose-selected dementia therapy doll may consider the additional cost worthwhile.

Pros

  • Selected specifically for adults with memory loss
  • Weighted body
  • Soft cloth torso
  • Realistic appearance
  • Several styles available
  • Washable clothing

Cons

  • More expensive than many standard reborn dolls
  • International shipping can be expensive

View Newborn Comfort Therapy Dolls at the Alzheimer’s Store

2. Ashton-Drake Comfort Doll

Ashton-Drake lifelike comfort doll

The Ashton-Drake Comfort Doll is a premium lifelike doll that may suit people with dementia who respond positively to realistic baby dolls.

Ashton-Drake produces highly detailed collectible dolls with features such as realistic vinyl skin, detailed facial features and weighted or poseable bodies, depending on the particular model.

Some Ashton-Drake models also include interactive features such as simulated breathing, heartbeat or baby sounds. These features may add to the experience for some people, although others may prefer a simpler doll without electronics.

This is not a specialist dementia therapy product. However, its realistic appearance and substantial feel make it an interesting alternative to dolls made specifically for memory care.

Pros

  • Highly realistic appearance
  • Premium construction
  • Weighted and poseable designs
  • Detailed facial features
  • Some models include interactive features
  • Good option for people who enjoy very lifelike dolls

Cons

  • More expensive than many Amazon alternatives
  • Not specifically designed for dementia care
  • Interactive models may require batteries
  • More collectible in design than some specialist therapy dolls

Check the Ashton-Drake Comfort Doll on Amazon

3. CHAREX Reborn Baby Doll

CHAREX realistic reborn baby doll

The CHAREX Reborn Baby Doll provides a lower-cost option for families wanting a realistic-looking baby without paying the higher price of a specialist dementia therapy doll.

The current CHAREX range includes lifelike newborn-style dolls with detailed facial features and realistic hands and feet. Soft-bodied and weighted versions are particularly worth considering for someone who enjoys holding and cuddling a doll.

The sleeping-baby appearance may also appeal to people who prefer a calm-looking doll.

CHAREX dolls are primarily designed for the general reborn-doll market rather than dementia care. Even so, the combination of realistic appearance, comfortable size and lower price may make them suitable for some people living with dementia.

Pros

  • Lifelike appearance
  • Soft-bodied options
  • Weighted models available
  • Detailed hands, feet and facial features
  • Accessories commonly included
  • Less expensive than specialist memory-care dolls

Cons

  • Not specifically designed for dementia care
  • Specifications can vary between CHAREX models
  • Sleeping or fixed-eye designs may not appeal to everyone

Check the current CHAREX doll on Amazon

4. JIZHI Lifelike Reborn Baby Doll

JIZHI lifelike reborn baby doll

The JIZHI Lifelike Reborn Baby Doll is an affordable alternative for families who want a realistic doll without the price of a specialist therapy product.

The JIZHI model we selected has a realistic newborn appearance with detailed features and poseable limbs.

One useful feature of full-vinyl models is that they are easier to wipe clean than cloth-bodied dolls. This may be helpful when a person enjoys actively caring for or handling the doll.

On the other hand, an all-vinyl body generally does not feel as soft or naturally weighted as a specialist memory-care doll with a fabric body.

For families wanting to try doll therapy without making a large initial investment, JIZHI represents a practical lower-cost option.

Pros

  • Realistic appearance
  • Poseable limbs
  • Detailed hands and feet
  • Easy-to-clean models available
  • Accessories included with many versions
  • Good lower-cost option

Cons

  • Not specifically designed for dementia care
  • Full-vinyl models feel less soft than cloth-bodied dolls
  • Less realistic weighting than specialist therapy dolls

Check the JIZHI Lifelike Reborn Baby Doll on Amazon

5. Zero Pam Reborn Baby Doll

Zero Pam realistic reborn baby doll

The Zero Pam Reborn Baby Doll is another realistic option for families considering doll therapy for a person with dementia.

We selected this current Zero Pam option because it combines a lifelike baby appearance with strong buyer feedback.

Zero Pam produces a range of realistic reborn dolls, so the exact materials, weight and accessories can vary between individual models. For dementia use, we recommend checking the product specifications carefully and favoring a model that is comfortable to hold and not excessively heavy.

This is not a doll created specifically for dementia therapy. However, for someone who enjoys realistic baby dolls, it may provide many of the same opportunities for cuddling, nurturing, conversation and engagement.

Pros

  • Lifelike appearance
  • Strong buyer feedback on the selected product
  • Comfortable size for holding
  • Several Zero Pam styles available
  • Typically less expensive than specialist memory-care dolls

Cons

  • Not specifically designed for dementia care
  • Materials and weight vary between models
  • Individual preferences will determine whether a highly realistic doll is appealing

Check the Zero Pam Reborn Baby Doll on Amazon

6. Kaydora Reborn Baby Doll

Kaydora realistic weighted reborn baby doll

The Kaydora Reborn Baby Doll is another lower-priced realistic doll worth considering.

Kaydora offers a variety of lifelike reborn dolls, including soft-bodied and weighted models.

The version we originally reviewed had realistic facial features, detailed hands and feet and a soft weighted body that made it comfortable to hold.

This combination can make it suitable for someone who enjoys cuddling and caring for a baby doll without requiring the higher investment associated with a specialist memory-care product.

Pros

  • Realistic appearance
  • Weighted options
  • Soft-bodied models available
  • Detailed hands and feet
  • Accessories often included
  • Good value compared with specialist therapy dolls

Cons

  • Not specifically designed for dementia care
  • Specifications vary between models
  • Hair and finish may vary
  • Some versions have fixed eyes

Check the Kaydora Reborn Baby Doll on Amazon

Specialist Therapy Doll vs. Reborn Baby Doll

There is an important difference between a doll selected specifically for memory care and a reborn doll primarily designed as a toy or collectible.

Specialist dementia therapy dolls tend to emphasize:

  • Comfortable weighting
  • Soft bodies
  • Durability
  • Easy handling
  • Calm and friendly facial expressions

Standard reborn dolls may provide many of the same features for a lower price, but quality and suitability can vary considerably.

If possible, choose the doll based on the individual rather than simply buying the most realistic-looking product.

Respect the Person’s Choice

Doll therapy should remain person-centered.

Do not assume that every woman with dementia wants a baby doll, or that someone who raised children will automatically enjoy one.

Men may also enjoy doll therapy, while some people of either sex may strongly dislike it.

Watch the person’s reaction and allow them to decide whether they want to participate.

If the doll provides comfort, companionship or enjoyment, continue using it naturally.

If it creates anxiety or distress, remove it.

Best Therapy Dolls for Dementia: Final Thoughts

The best therapy dolls for dementia are not necessarily the most expensive or the most realistic.

The right doll is the one that feels comfortable, familiar and enjoyable to the individual using it.

For people who respond positively, a therapy doll may encourage nurturing behavior, conversation and emotional connection.

Among the products we reviewed, the Newborn Comfort Therapy Doll stands out because it is selected specifically for adults with memory loss. The other realistic reborn dolls provide less expensive alternatives for families who want to see how their loved one responds before investing in a specialist product.

Whatever doll you choose, introduce it gently, respect the person’s response and remember that the objective is comfort and engagement — not convincing someone that the doll is real.