Reminiscence Therapy: What It Is & How It Works

What Is Reminiscence Therapy?

Reminiscence therapy uses all senses to help people with dementia remember events, people, and places from their past.² It is also useful for people with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, as well as other illnesses caused by brain disease. Reminiscence therapy works because it taps into memories that have been repeated and revisited on multiple occasions over many years. With the right triggers, these memories can be recovered and revisited. The smells of a favorite recipe or the sound of a favorite song can create wonderful memories.

“The focus on reminiscence therapy is to bring up memories that spark joy and cause an individual to recall pleasant and joyful memories, memories that bring them calmness & peace. Reminiscence therapy technique, combined with growth mindset, is used to see whether or not such engagement causes an individual to focus on how they feel they have grown or matured, such as intellectually, emotionally, or spiritually. Reminiscence therapy is to be used as a tool to help increase a sense of connection and increase a sense of self-efficacy.” – Dr. Jeremy Holloway ³

The Difference Between Reminiscing & Remembering

Remembering and reminiscing both involve recalling something from the past. However, reminiscing is more about looking back at an experience fondly. Asking someone with dementia to remember a specific event, even from a long time ago, can be stressful. If they don’t know the answer, they may feel pressured which can then trigger an array of negative emotions.

If the same person were to recall a pleasant memory and talk about it, they would probably feel good. For instance, if they hear a song from their youth, this may spark a spontaneous recollection like “That was my favorite tune. My best friend and I used to sing and dance anytime we would hear it.” Here, the person is reminiscing as they recall fun and warm memories from their past.

Reminiscence Vs. Life Review Therapy

Reminiscence and life review therapy are similar in that both methods involve remembering, processing, and reflecting on past experiences. Reminiscence therapy is an informal approach that prompts adults to speak about past events with the aid of different tools like old pictures and music so they can share personal stories that elicit positive memories and emotions. Through reminiscence, an individual can feel validated, which in turn improves their self-worth, mental wellness, and social interactions.⁴

Life review therapy, on the other hand, is a more structured and guided process that consists of reviewing and reflecting on past events, including unresolved conflicts, across someone’s lifespan. This practical method seeks to integrate memories into a larger whole so the person can find order and meaning, even in the negative recollections. This can enable personal growth, enhance overall wellbeing, and help the adult cope better with current challenges or life-changes.⁵

What Can Reminiscence Therapy Help With?

Reminiscence therapy can improve cognitive processes and ease symptoms across different populations, disorders, and conditions such as:

• Reminiscence therapy for dementia: Brain based diseases like early onset dementia can accelerate the process of memory loss and subsequent identity loss in younger people. Researchers have discovered that the power of reminiscence therapy is that new pathways in the brain form as the individuals recall the past.⁶
• Reminiscence therapy for depression in older adults: In various forms, reminiscence therapy can significantly ease depressive symptoms, boost mood, and improve quality of life in older adults. Some studies actually advised using reminiscence therapy as a standard therapy for depression, and even proposed it as an option to antidepressants.⁷
• Reminiscence therapy for PTSD: Reminiscence therapy can potentially benefit PTSD in older war veterans by providing a supportive setting to process and share personal history which in turn can help reduce PTSD and related symptoms, improve mental wellness, and reconcile with past traumas.⁸
• Reminiscence therapy for Parkinson’s disease: Parkinson sufferers could gain from reminiscence activities, especially when combined with mindfulness interventions. One study revealed improved memory and cognition after the exposure to music, old pictures, and household items to elicit personal life memories.⁹

Techniques Used in Reminiscence Therapy

Reminiscence therapy interventions can help someone share thoughts and emotions as they emerge and prompt them to engage in a discussion. However, it is important to use things that are relevant to the person and that they feel a strong connection to.¹⁰

Here are some of the techniques used to spark memories during reminiscence therapy:

• Visual: Visuals are a powerful way to revisit past experiences and start a conversation. This may include looking at photo albums, watching family movies, and going through newspaper clippings.
• Aural: This refers to music—another great means to trigger happy memories and build connection. This can entail listening to or singing songs from the person’s youth or their favorite band.
• Taste: Taste can be enabled by a therapist, caretaker, or trained professional in a variety of settings. This can entail cooking someone’s favorite childhood meal or a relative’s recipe and then asking them about what memories come to mind.
• Tactile: This can consist of using items such as an old blanket, jewelry, or piece of clothing so the person can touch it, feel its texture, and then talk about the memories associated with the object.
• Olfactory: This refers to the use of scents, which can instantly trigger memories and promote a sense of wellbeing. For example, having the person smell a perfume or scented candles can inspire the person to talk about an anecdote.

How Does Reminiscence Therapy Work?

Reminiscence therapy engages both the patient and the caregiver, includes all the senses, and uses both verbal and nonverbal communication. It can be a hands-on experience for all involved and it’s often important to use “props.”

Be cognizant of time frames and use materials from the “reminiscence bump.” For example, if a person is born in 1950, find materials from the 1960s through the 1970s for maximum impact. Try to tap into the patient’s previous hobbies or interests. Jordan Lewis, Ph.D., MSW, also adds, “The focus of RT is on positive emotions and stories related to prompts, including music, photos, foods, and any other items with value to someone. Those interested in using RT with people, especially older adults, should have some knowledge of the history of the population and what impact these events may have had on their lives when choosing RT activities and topics.”¹¹

Here are possible reminiscence therapy activities:

• Watching old movies
• Going through family photos and pictures
• Listen to old music; sing along
• Read poetry or a passage from a book
• Cooking old recipes
• Smell specific flowers or scented candles
• Garden, knit, or participate in woodworking
• Use a weight Alzheimer’s/Dementia blanket to tap into tactile skills

Using Open-Ended Questions in Reminiscence Therapy

In terms of conversation, avoid asking short term questions (like “What did you have for breakfast?) and yes/no questions. Instead, use open-ended comments or questions. Be non-judgemental, empathetic, and aware that when memories return it will create a variety of emotions that may be both good and bad. Use redirection if a patient appears upset. Listen carefully, smile, and ask questions. Sit close to the patient so they can see your reactions, and speak in a clear, calm voice.

Here are some topics you can ask about using reminiscence therapy:¹²

1. Food and holidays
2. First jobs, best jobs, working conditions, bosses, colleagues, etc.
3. Children and old housework
4. Favorite shops/shopkeepers, markets, and significant places from their community (e.g., town square, library, or post office)

Benefits of Reminiscence Therapy

As people age, they sometimes start telling the same story repeatedly because it reflects a time in their life that had great meaning and made them feel good about their identity. They could also remember stories that evoke painful memories about events that were never resolved or had painful personal consequences. Reminiscing often signals that they’re trying to settle unresolved issues on a conscious or unconscious level.

Reminiscence therapy can be done anywhere, so as people transition from home to different levels of care it can continue to be used in valuable ways and provide consistency for patients.

Here are benefits of reminiscence therapy:^{13, 14}

• Improves mood and some cognitive abilities
• Improves well-being and behavior in patients with dementia
• Creates intimate moments between caregivers and the loved one
• Creates less stress for caregivers
• Helps alleviate depression and can have a calming effect
• Provides a renewed sense of identity
• Helps alleviate caregiver stress
• Creates feelings of self-worth, confidence, purpose, and identity
• Decreases isolation and promotes socialization

Is Reminiscence Therapy Effective?

Researchers agree that there is no evidence of any adverse outcomes of reminiscence therapy. During the process of using RT, painful memories can be resurrected causing emotional discomfort; however, if someone is there to help monitor, listen, and support them, there is no ongoing negative outcome. Furthermore, compared to conventional drug treatment, reminiscence therapy has no severe side effects.¹⁵

“Based on reviews of the literature, RT is very effective for persons with dementia, but also for all ages. RT has a strong evidence base for use within a variety of settings (personal homes, adult day centers, hospitals, long term care facilities, etc), and has established itself as an effective, cost effective, and personally meaningful activity for persons with dementia.” – Jordan Lewis, Ph.D., MSW¹¹

Limitations & Criticisms of Reminiscence Therapy

Although reminiscence therapy can be an effective approach for many adults, it may not be the right fit for everyone. Factors such as the level of cognitive functioning, cultural background, personality characteristics, unwillingness to share about their past, and the length/structure of the treatment can affect how someone responds to RT.¹⁴

RT requires that the individual revisits memories which can induce a sense of well-being and belonging. However, during the process they may also recall unpleasant memories that can cause distress. Nevertheless, within the context of a supportive environment and proper guidance from a skilled professional this can be safely managed.¹⁴

Lastly, long-term effects of RT have not been sufficiently examined, and current studies only indicate short-lived results and no long-standing outcomes. Thus, the maintenance of the benefits acquired from this therapy over time is an area that needs ongoing investigation.¹⁴

How to Find a Reminiscence Therapist

When looking for a therapist to provide reminiscence treatment, look for someone who specializes in geriatrics. They will be familiar with patients with dementia and diagnoses related to aging. It can be a mental health professional with a variety of credentials including social workers, nurse practitioners, psychologists, and licensed counselors. Dr Holloway adds, “Individuals or therapists who provide the opportunity for the one who reminisces also need to be trained in providing positive reinforcement, redirection, and listening strategies.”³

If you have health insurance, be sure you understand what type of treatment is covered so you can get your maximum benefits. If you are wondering how to find a therapist, you can start by using an online therapist directory or by asking your primary care physician for a referral.

Final Thoughts

Reminiscence therapy can be an effective way to make the caregiving experience rewarding for the caregiver and the person receiving care. Be aware that some people with memory issues are in denial or are simply unaware of their deficits. They may get agitated if asked to remember something and they’re unable to do it. Instead, encourage them to reminisce about something meaningful from their past.