The first moment that you hold a Reborn Doll in your hands is difficult to define; it is a curious mixture of elation, nostalgia and amazement, to think that a doll can elicit the same emotions you feel when holding a newborn in your arms for the first time. A baby, newborn or Reborn, can bring forward waves of emotion. Those who have given birth can recall those first precious moments, while those who have simply always loved children can let their imagination fly. The expression, skin and weight of a Reborn is so realistic, one instantly feels a strong sense of protectiveness. It is, therefore, no surprise to learn that for many years, dolls have been used as a therapeutic aid for persons with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease or people with depression.
Body of Evidence
Thus far, there is a rich body of evidence to indicate the important role dolls (both stuffed toys and dolls) can play in aiding those with dementia who are living in residential care. As far back as 1992, scientists found that doll therapy provided patients with comfort, companionship and sensory stimulation; one patient, who was 90 years old and in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s, was unable to walk, speak, or even smile. She was totally unresponsive to her caregivers, yet when she was introduced to a doll, she began speaking to it, smiling and snuggling it for hours on end. Since then, various studies have been carried out, unanimously showing positive results.
In 2001, David Moore, who initially thought that soft toys and dolls were demeaning tools to use with those suffering from dementia, completely changed his mind after seeing the comfort and happiness the dolls brought to residents in a care home. Moore noted a positive change, not only in the patients’ behavior (i.e. aggression and agitation were reduced), but also an improvement in social interaction between caregivers and patients, who were able to converse about the dolls and perform activities together such as tidying up the dolls’ clothes. In a highly personal account of her own experiences using doll therapy, Sheila Gibson described how a doll improved her mother’s experience in a nursing home by connecting the latter to a time in her life when she felt she had more control (i.e. to when she was a young mother). Indeed, caregivers who employ doll therapy mention that their patients often view the dolls as children rather than just dolls, which is why a Reborn doll can fit the bill so perfectly when it comes to connecting those with dementia to meaningful memories that remind them of better times.
Use of dolls
In an important study in 2006, Mackenzie et. al. examined the use of dolls in two different care homes. The researchers observed the effect of the dolls on activity levels, social interaction between patients and staff, agitation and agreeability to receiving care. Some 93 per cent of all staff felt the dolls increased positive communication and most viewed the effect of the dolls as being highly beneficial for residents. Subsequent studies have shown negative behaviors to decline after the introduction of doll therapy, especially in elderly persons in the later stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Despite the promising results, researchers remind us that not everyone will respond to a doll as positively as the overwhelming majority; after all, every patient is a world unto his own.. Since this therapy is relatively new, more studies need to be undertaken regarding standardized approaches and guidelines to be used. Doll therapy may not be for everyone – but if you have a loved one with dementia and you notice that their eyes fill with emotion as soon as they hold their first Reborn baby in their arms, chances are, you’re on to a good thing.