{"id":6779,"date":"2023-08-16T08:57:44","date_gmt":"2023-08-16T08:57:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/?page_id=6779"},"modified":"2026-03-18T14:28:56","modified_gmt":"2026-03-18T14:28:56","slug":"doll-therapy","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/information-and-support\/living-with-dementia\/doll-therapy\/","title":{"rendered":"Doll therapy for those living with dementia"},"content":{"rendered":"

Doll therapy is a type of therapy for people with dementia which involves using lifelike dolls or soft toy animals. On this page, you will find out more about the benefits of doll therapy, when it should be considered and challenges that may be faced.<\/p>\n

What is doll therapy?<\/a><\/h2>\n

Doll therapy is when a person with dementia is given a doll or soft toy to engage with to help relax and calm them, providing great support.<\/p>\n

How a doll can be beneficial for people living with dementia<\/a><\/h2>\n

They can promote feelings of relaxation and pleasure and are used as a form of therapy rather than simply \u2018playing\u2019 with a toy.<\/p>\n

Comfort<\/h3>\n

Holding or just being with a doll or soft toy animal, such as a cat or dog, can be particularly helpful for people who are withdrawn, restless, distressed or anxious, improving their wellbeing and ability to communicate. The sensation of holding a doll or toy animal can be soothing.<\/p>\n

Connection<\/h3>\n

If the person is interested in a doll or soft toy, use it as a way to connect with them. You could ask them questions about the doll or animal, referring to it as he, she, or they.<\/p>\n

Sense of purpose<\/h3>\n

The act of \u2018caring\u2019 for the doll or soft toy can help give a renewed sense of purpose. The feeling can help the person connect to the outside and have a knock-on, positive effect on their energy, activity levels, engagement with those around them and mood.<\/p>\n

Communication<\/h3>\n

If the person with dementia has difficulties communicating, you could make observations about the doll or toy animal instead. For a doll, for example, you could say: \u201cDoesn\u2019t she have a nice face?\u201d or \u201cWhat a pretty dress.\u201d For an animal, you could say: \u201cWhat lovely fur\u201d, or \u201cIt looks like (name of a pet from the past).\u201d<\/p>\n

When to consider doll therapy<\/a><\/h2>\n

There is evidence showing that the use of dolls or soft toy animals can be particularly helpful for those who may not be engaging with others or who are restless, distressed or anxious, improving their well-being and ability to communicate.<\/p>\n

Doll therapy for young onset dementia<\/h3>\n

If there are younger people in the family, such as grandchildren or, in the case of young onset dementia (where symptoms develop before the age of 65), the person\u2019s own children, playing with or talking about the toy together could help them interact and foster feelings of closeness.<\/p>\n

If it doesn\u2019t go as planned<\/h3>\n

If the person shows no interest, don\u2019t try to press it on them. Some people with dementia simply aren\u2019t interested in dolls and soft toys, but you can always try again another day.<\/p>\n

Challenges of doll therapy<\/a><\/h2>\n

Self-care<\/h3>\n

Someone with dementia may neglect themselves and their own needs in favour of taking care of their doll or soft toy. They may show this by trying to feed their own food to the doll, or putting it to bed in their own bed, while they sleep in a chair. A way to avoid this is by keeping the toy out of their sight during meals or making it something they use during the day. If it helps, you may wish to suggest putting the baby down for a nap. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Attachment in a group setting<\/h3>\n

The person with dementia may become very attached to their doll or toy animal and be upset if someone else picks it up. You should avoid having the toy out in situations where this may happen, for example, in a communal area of a care home.<\/p>\n

If the person with dementia has young children or grandchildren, you could keep the toy in the person\u2019s bedroom or provide the child with a similar doll or animal so they are less likely to be attracted to their special toy.<\/p>\n

If the person with dementia has home carers or is in a care home<\/a>, ensure the care staff know that the doll or animal is important to them to avoid it being misplaced or handled by other people.<\/p>\n

If the person seems to believe the toy is real \u2013 for example, referring to a doll as their \u2018baby\u2019 \u2013 do not try to correct them as this may cause distress.<\/p>\n

Consider buying a duplicate doll or soft animal in case the original gets lost or needs to be cleaned.<\/p>\n

Sources of support<\/a><\/h2>\n

If you need advice on dolly therapy or any other aspect of dementia, please call the Dementia Helpline<\/a> on 0800 888 6678 (Monday-Friday 9am-9pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am-5pm, every day except 25th December), email helpline@dementiauk.org<\/a> or you can also book a phone or virtual appointment<\/a> with an Admiral Nurse.<\/p>\n

Dementia UK resources<\/h3>\n