Psychological Therapies for Dementia
While dementia cannot be cured at least in this day and age, there are however non pharmaceutical methods which can at least alleviate some of the symptoms. They are not of course panaceas and they will not regress the condition. They will however improve cognition, mood, and hopefully behaviour.
While these psychological treatments are fairly easy to apply, they do however necessitate of a structured approach and an experienced person to implement them in order to provide the best results.
Individual Cognitive Stimulation Therapy
Among all the symptoms associated with dementia the one with the highest impact on a person's life and well-being, is arguably the decrease in cognitive capacity.
Individual Cognitive Stimulation Therapy iCST for short, has been proven to improve cognitive capacity for individuals with mild to moderate dementia.
Cognitive stimulation therapy is performed by a professional in sessions of thirty to thirty five minutes a day for at least twenty five sessions in order to maximise it's benefits.
Reminiscence Therapy
While there is no definitive study that shows without a doubt the practical benefits of reminiscence therapy, there is however plenty of anecdotal evidence which shows it improves the mood for dementia affected patients. As made obvious by the name, it consists in helping the person afflicted by dementia to remember past events.
Contrary to what it may seem reminiscence therapy does not appear to help with improving a person's memory. Its main purpose is to improve a person's mood by taking them to what is effectively a trip down memory lane. It is best done with the help of props such as photo albums and other objects that would play on emotional associations and old memories.
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While our purpose is to support people during difficult times, we also believe that people don’t have to be defined by their condition. Part of that belief is the idea that care-giving is more than tending to the physical needs. It’s also about emotional support and companionship. It’s about having a fulfilling lifestyle, where people participate in activities tailored to their interests and abilities, ensuring they stay engaged and stimulated.