Publications on Reminiscence Therapy & Memory Care/Life Story Books

IMPRoved REcall of Memories

Life Story books written in chronology helps maintain memories in those with dementia (Grindley). Other studies have shown significant improvement in autobiographical knowledge after use of a Life Story Book (Elfrink).Elfrink, T., Zuidema, S., Kunz, M., & Westerhof, G. (2018). Life story books for people with dementia: A systematic review. International Psychogeriatrics, 30(12), 1797-1811. doi:10.1017/S1041610218000376

Caregiver Knowledge improved

Baker & Corrigan-Charlesworth indicate that even in those with little or no verbal communication abilities remaining a memory book gives important information about the individual to the caregiver. It also provides an easy point of reference when they still can communicate verbally and cannot recall a piece of factual information about their life. Care staff were also able to more easily communicate with family members when they visited.

In a retrospective study published in 2005, the knowledge about the individual with dementia by the caregiver was significant improved (Woods).

Improved Mood/Reduction in Depression

An article on the effects of reminiscence therapy shows that there was an improvement of depression symptoms in those with dementia who used reminiscence therapy (Huang). Drs. Hamill & McCarthy state in their book How to Help Someone with Dementia that sharing the life story of a person with dementia can sustain their sense of self and orient them to the present.

ENHANCED Sense of Belonging

Reduced Social Isolation

Improved Cognition

In Huang, et. al.’s study there was also a small improvement in cognitive function with reminiscence therapy. Yen theorized that memories are continued to be stored in the brain and are easier accessed with reminiscence therapy. He quotes Gibson & Burnside, accessing the memories make “the past become a rich resource of living in the present and anticipating the future.”

improved connections with family members and caregivers/REduced Caregiver Strain

In Baker’s study, the staff’s attitude towards those with dementia significantly improved following the development of Life Story Books. Wood’s analysis also indicated that caregiver strain was significantly reduced with reminiscence therapy.

Works Sited

Baker C, Corrigan-Charlesworth, J. Visiting the Memory Cafe and other Dementia Care Activities, Jessica Kingsley Publishers, London & Philadelpaia, PA, 2017.

Elfrink T, Zuidema S, Kunz M, Westerhof G. Life story books for people with dementia: A systematic review. International Psychogeriatrics, 2018, 30(12), 1797-1811. doi:10.1017/S1041610218000376

Gridley K, Brooks J, Birks Y, Baxter K, Cusworth L, Allgar V, Parker G. Life-Story Work in Dementia Care. 2016. University of York.

Hamill, M, McCarthy M. How to Help Someone with Dementia, Welbeck Balance, Great Britian, 2021.

Huang HC, Chen YT, Chen PY, Huey-Lan Hu S, Liu F, Kuo YL, Chiu HY. Reminiscence Therapy Improves Cognitive Functions and Reduces Depressive Symptoms in Elderly People With Dementia: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. J Am Med Dir Assoc. 2015 Dec;16(12):1087-94. doi: 10.1016/j.jamda.2015.07.010. Epub 2015 Sep 1. PMID: 26341034.

Woods B, Spector A, Jones C, Orrell M, Davies S. Reminiscence therapy for dementia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2005 Apr 18;(2):CD001120. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD001120.pub2. Update in: Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018 Mar 01;3:CD001120. PMID: 15846613.

Yen, H, Lin, Li-Jung. A Systematic Review of Reminiscence Therapy for Older Adults in Taiwan. The Journal of Nursing Research. 2018, Apr; 26(2):138-150.