Reminiscence Therapy: Beneficial Techniques

Reminiscence therapy is a treatment that helps individuals with dementia recall and cherish positive experiences and memories from the past. It requires using props and prompts, like pictures, songs, and fragrances, to engage one’s senses — sight, touch, taste, smell, and sound — that can spark a positive memory. This therapy could improve the well-being of loved ones with dementia.

Activities like watching favorite movies, playing childhood games, or preparing a long-loved family recipe can help a dementia patient reminisce if combined with easy and engaging conversational prompts.

In 1963, physician Robert Butler published The Life Review: An Interpretation of Reminiscence in the Aged. He found that the elderly who have memory loss still often maintain deep internal experiences and can remember past events and emotions with appropriate prompting and guided reflection. This observation laid the groundwork for reminiscence therapy, a therapeutic approach in which older adults engage in structured, meaningful reflection on past experiences. Butler proposed that, with suitable prompts, individuals could recount significant life events, sometimes recovering vivid memories and feelings despite cognitive limitations.

Butler’s life review theory suggested that reminiscing was not only natural but could also be a vital psychological process, particularly for older adults. Engaging in reminiscence allows individuals to affirm their personal history, solidify their sense of self, and make meaning of life experiences. By remembering and sharing their stories, many elderly people find peace, resolve lingering conflicts, and achieve a sense of closure and satisfaction. Butler found that life review could help alleviate depression, reduce anxiety, and promote well-being among the elderly, particularly when they felt listened to and valued in the telling of their personal narratives.

Techniques include using photographs, music, personal artifacts like awards and favorite jewelry, and even scents to help stimulate memory recall. Research has continued to support Butler’s findings, showing that reminiscence therapy can enhance quality of life for individuals with dementia and provide emotional comfort.

Studies show that visual memory is often retained longer than verbal memory in dementia patients, making photographs a powerful tool for recall.

Listening to familiar music can evoke positive feelings, reduce agitation, and help individuals connect with both caregivers and loved ones. Research shows that music can also enhance social interaction and improve mood. For many, music sessions are uplifting and help individuals express themselves in ways words cannot.

Telling their life stories can help individuals process past experiences, find meaning, and experience closure. It also provides social engagement, which has been shown to reduce isolation and depression. Storytelling can strengthen connections with family members and caregivers, who gain insight into the person’s life and personality.

Repeatedly looking through familiar objects helps individuals reinforce positive memories, aiding memory retention. Scrapbooks and journals can serve as “life books” for caregivers to use as conversational tools and to maintain continuity in care.

Benefits of Reminiscence Therapy

• Enhanced Quality of Life: Studies have shown that reminiscence therapy can improve mood, reduce feelings of loneliness, and boost overall life satisfaction among elderly individuals and those with dementia. By focusing on positive memories, this therapy provides emotional comfort and promotes a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

• Cognitive and Social Engagement: Engaging in reminiscence activities helps maintain cognitive function and slows cognitive decline by encouraging recall, focus, and language use. Socially, it fosters connections with others, which is critical for mental health and well-being.

• Reduced Anxiety and Depression: By providing a structured, positive outlet for self-expression, reminiscence therapy can help alleviate anxiety and symptoms of depression. Research has shown that reminiscence therapy can be especially beneficial in reducing depression in elderly individuals with dementia by helping them reconnect with meaningful life events and relationships.

If you want to engage someone who has dementia, remember to ask open-ended, general questions that allow for reflection. Avoid questions with a right or wrong answer, and stick with broad reminiscing topics for seniors with dementia, like the following:

• Childhood and holiday traditions

• Movies, songs, and artworks

• Education or work history

• Family and long-term friends

To keep things broad, you can ask about family rather than mentioning a specific relative by name. Rather than conducting an interview, appeal to their emotions and gently guide them as they begin to talk. Try asking these reminiscing questions for seniors with dementia to connect with your loved one:

1. What’s something that makes you feel happy or proud?

2. What are some of the things you’re most grateful for?

3. Are there any important life lessons you’d like to share?

4. Can you tell me about a place that’s meaningful to you?

5. What do you think about this painting/song/movie?

6. What was your family like growing up?

7. How do you feel about (something they love)?

8. Can you tell me about the house where you grew up?

9. Do you like animals? What about being in nature?

10. What did you enjoy about the jobs you’ve held?

In conclusion, reminiscence therapy is a powerful way to improve the quality of life and emotional health of older adults, especially those living with memory impairments, by embracing and honoring the stories that make them unique.

Some portions of this article were excerpted from A Place for Mom by Claire Samuels.

The information provided by Finnish-American Village is for thought-provoking and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice or as a substitute for professional healthcare. Please consult your physician or a qualified healthcare provider to discuss your personal needs, requirements, and any medical concerns you may have. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider before making any decisions or changes related to your health and well-being.