Doll Therapy for Agitated Elderly Dementia People

Inclusion Criteria: Aged 65 years or older, met the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for dementia, clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, diagnosis of dementia (moderate or severe) confirmed by a neurologist, must be able to swallow tablets, had sufficient hand motor skills to hold and care for a doll, had adequate visual acuity to recognize the doll, had no significant communication impairments, were personally willing to participate in the study, had the consent of their legal guardians or family members for participation in the study. Exhibiting agitation, defined as a score of 35 or higher on the long form of the CMAI. Exclusion Criteria: Participants were excluded from the study if they had a diagnosis of mild dementia, were experiencing an acute exacerbation of a systemic illness, or had a diagnosed psychological disorder, Insulin dependent diabetes and thyroid disease. Additionally, elderly individuals who experienced difficulty accepting and forming a relationship with the doll after two attempts were excluded from the study. Those who initially accepted the doll but later abandoned it were also excluded. Lastly, participants who reported that the doll triggered negative associations or adverse emotional responses were excluded.