In the present study, there was a statistical significant improvement in agitation levels and behavioral disturbances when comparing pre-doll therapy and post-doll therapy (8 weeks). There was a reported decrease in aggression, negative mood, negative verbal behavior, and obsessive behaviors. 

University of Illinois at Chicago

Doll therapy is a type of nonpharmacological intervention that is characterized by giving dementia patients dolls to soothe and relax them. This therapy is associated with John Bowlby's attachment theory (1991). 

Doll Therapy

Yilmaz, C. K., & Aşiret, G. D. (2021). The effect of doll therapy on agitation and cognitive state in institutionalized patients with moderate-to-severe dementia: a randomized controlled study. Journal of geriatric psychiatry and neurology, 34(5), 370-377.

The Effect of Doll Therapy on Agitation and Cognitive State in Institutionalized Patients With Moderate-to-Severe Dementia: A Randomized Controlled Study

Attachment theory is the likelihood of infants to form an emotional bond to their caregiver(s), which typically develops during the first six months of an infant's life. Doll therapy enables patients to experience past feelings again and takes them back to when their protection needs are satisfied. 

Attachment theory applied to doll therapy 

In the present study, measures of cognitive impairment between pre-intervention (no doll) and post-intervention (eight weeks) was statistically significant. Doll therapy stimulated better sensation, perception, speech, communication, and wellness in patients with dementia. 

Effect of doll therapy on the cognitive state of dementia patients 

Effect of doll therapy on the agitation and behavioral status of dementia patients

- Infantilization of dementia patients
- Limited patient autonomy 
- Increased distress

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