Zhenti Cui

Sias University, China

Abstract Title: Effectiveness of doll therapy in reducing medication and behavioral symptoms among dementia patients: A mixed-methods study

Biography: Zhenti Cui, Ph.D., Lecturer in Sias University. Research interests include dementia care, non-pharmacological interventions, and public health research methodologies.

Research Interest: This mixed?methods study evaluated the effectiveness of doll therapy in improving dementia care outcomes in Chinese residential facilities. Six care homes were randomly assigned to either doll therapy or routine care. The intervention group received twice?weekly sessions for four weeks based on attachment and activity theories, emphasizing emotional bonding and social engagement. Quantitative outcomes included the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (BPSD), Barthel Index (ADL), and daily psychotropic medication doses, assessed at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. Generalized estimating equations were used to account for clustering. Qualitative interviews with caregivers, staff, and family members explored perceptions and feasibility. Results indicated that doll therapy significantly reduced daily doses of antipsychotics and anxiolytics, alleviated agitation, anxiety, and depression, and improved ADL scores compared with controls. Qualitative findings revealed positive emotional responses and enhanced social interaction among participants, as well as reduced caregiver burden. Initial cultural hesitations were overcome through training and demonstrated benefits, though issues such as doll hygiene and varying acceptance persisted. In conclusion, doll therapy effectively reduces medication use and behavioral symptoms while enhancing functional independence in people with dementia. Its success depends on caregiver education, institutional support, and cultural sensitivity. The findings support the integration of doll therapy as a feasible, culturally adaptable, non?pharmacological intervention for dementia care in Asia?Pacific contexts.