Baby dolls have a positive impact not only on young girls but also on elderly individuals with dementia through a therapeutic approach known as "doll therapy" (Mitchell, 2013). This therapy aims to address the unique needs of people living with dementia. A study on nursing home residents with dementia found that providing dolls affected their mood, behavior, and social interactions positively. The use of dolls resulted in improvements in aggression, obsessive behaviors, social interactions, and mood, enhancing their overall well-being. These findings suggest that doll therapy can be beneficial for individuals with dementia (Mitchell et al., 2016).
Giving baby dolls to seniors or those with dementia enhances emotional well-being through the dolls' features (Mitchell et al., 2016). Seniors often find comfort in caring for the dolls, engaging in conversations, expressing emotions, and connecting with their past experiences. These interactions with the dolls stimulate various senses such as touch, sight, and interaction, creating a meaningful and engaging experience.
Memory recall of parenthood and past experiences can be triggered through doll therapy, allowing individuals with dementia to reminisce about their past and engage in activities that bring them joy. In some cases, individuals may perceive the baby dolls as real, evoking nostalgic memories and emotions (Shin, 2014). Realistic baby dolls, like the "Memory Babys" used in senior homes, have been shown to positively impact dementia patients by invoking memories of their own childhood or nurturing experiences.
This video shows the heartwarming response of elderly home residents receiving their own Baby Dolls. Source: CBS News on YouTube, 2019.