In plain English
Reminiscence Therapy uses memories, photographs and music from earlier life to support engagement, mood and identity in people with dementia. It can be delivered in groups, in one-to-one sessions, or by a family member at home.
What Reminiscence Therapy is
Reminiscence Therapy was developed in the 1960s and 1970s, based on the observation that older memories are typically more preserved than recent memories in dementia. By drawing on these older memories, conversation, engagement and emotional connection can be sustained even when short-term memory is impaired.
Reminiscence Therapy uses tangible prompts:
- Photographs of the person's life (childhood, school, work, holidays, family);
- Music from the person's teens and twenties;
- Familiar objects (kitchen tools, work tools, dance shoes, books);
- Old newspapers, magazines and films;
- Familiar foods, smells, fabrics.
The therapist or family member draws on these to invite stories, conversation and shared memory, without expectation that the person will retain new information.
The evidence base
Cochrane reviews of Reminiscence Therapy find moderate evidence of benefit on:
- Mood (reduced depression and improved wellbeing);
- Cognitive function in the short term;
- Communication and engagement;
- Quality of life;
- Carer-person relationship.
Effects are smaller than Cognitive Stimulation Therapy but consistent and clinically meaningful. NICE NG97 supports the use of Reminiscence Therapy.
Forms of Reminiscence Therapy
Simple reminiscence
Conversation about past life, prompted by photographs and objects. Sessions of 30 to 60 minutes, weekly or more often.
Life review
A more structured approach to constructing a "Life Story Book" with the person, often led by an occupational therapist or psychologist. The book then becomes a tool that anyone (family, care home staff, future clinicians) can use.
Group Reminiscence Therapy
Group sessions, often combined with Cognitive Stimulation Therapy themes, in Memory Cafes and day services.
How to do Reminiscence Therapy at home
- Gather a small collection of photographs and objects from each decade of the person's life;
- Choose a quiet time when both of you are unhurried;
- Show one item at a time, asking open questions ("Tell me about this");
- Listen and reflect, rather than testing or correcting;
- Add music from the person's teens and twenties; it often unlocks more conversation;
- Capture stories in a written Life Story Book over time;
- Allow themes to repeat; familiar territory is comforting.
Where to access
Memory Cafes and day services often include Reminiscence Therapy. The Alzheimer's Society and Age UK provide Life Story templates. Private occupational therapists offer structured Reminiscence Therapy programmes.
Frequently asked questions
Does Reminiscence Therapy help even in advanced dementia?
Yes. Older memories and emotional responses are often preserved even when language and recent memory are severely impaired. Music in particular often reaches people in advanced stages.
What if the memories are difficult?
Some life themes are painful. The therapist or family member acknowledges feelings and moves to a different theme. Pre-planning the prompts and avoiding known sensitive areas helps.
Is a Life Story Book worth the time?
Yes. A well-constructed Life Story Book is one of the most useful tools for any future carer or care home staff member, ensuring person-centred care continues even when the person can no longer tell their own story.
Can it be combined with Cognitive Stimulation Therapy?
Yes. Many CST sessions incorporate reminiscence themes. The two approaches complement each other.
Where can I find templates?
Alzheimer's Society and Age UK publish Life Story Book templates and guides. Many local services also provide them.
References
- Woods B et al. Reminiscence Therapy for dementia. Cochrane Database 2018.
- NICE NG97.
- Alzheimer's Society. Life story work.
- Bell V, Troxel D. The Best Friends Approach to Dementia Care.