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Reminiscence Therapy: What It Is & How It Works

Published: May 2, 2022 Updated: November 25, 2022
Published: 05/02/2022 Updated: 11/25/2022
Headshot of Iris Waichler MSW, LCSW
Written by:

Iris Waichler

MSW, LCSW
Headshot of Trishanna Sookdeo, MD, MPH, FAAFP
Reviewed by:

Trishanna Sookdeo

MD, MPH, FAAFP
  • What Is Reminiscence Therapy?Definition
  • Benefits of Reminiscence TherapyBenefits
  • Is Reminiscence Therapy Effective?Effectiveness
  • How Does Reminiscence Therapy Work?How It Works
  • How to Find a Reminiscence TherapistFinding a Therapist
  • Final ThoughtsConclusion
  • Additional ResourcesResources
  • Reminiscence Therapy InfographicsInfographics
Headshot of Iris Waichler MSW, LCSW
Written by:

Iris Waichler

MSW, LCSW
Headshot of Trishanna Sookdeo, MD, MPH, FAAFP
Reviewed by:

Trishanna Sookdeo

MD, MPH, FAAFP

Psychiatrist Robert Butler created reminiscence therapy (RT) in 1963 to help treat the primary symptoms of dementia – memory loss and loss of cognitive abilities. Reminiscence therapy “targets the “reminiscence bump,” a term psychologists used to describe the time span most easily recalled by middle-aged and senior adults, typically between teenage years and early adulthood.1 People can be taught to use this therapy with loved ones with dementia.

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What Is Reminiscence Therapy?

Reminiscence therapy uses all senses to help individuals with dementia remember events, people, and places from their past.2 This type of therapy is also useful for people diagnosed 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. RT is also referred to as life review therapy and integrative reminiscence.

Dr. Jeremy Holloway Headshot“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 8

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.3

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: 4, 5

  • 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.6

Jordan Lewis, PhD, MSW Headshot“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., MSW 9

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 1960’s thru 1970’s 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.”9

Here are possible RT 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

In terms of conversation, avoid asking short term questions (e.g., “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.

Example topics you can ask about using reminiscence therapy include:7

  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)

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.”8

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, start by using an online therapy directory.

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.

Additional Resources

Education is just the first step on our path to improved mental health and emotional wellness. To help our readers take the next step in their journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy may be compensated for marketing by the companies mentioned below.

Online Therapy 

BetterHelp – Get support and guidance from a licensed therapist. BetterHelp has over 20,000 therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy.  Complete a brief questionnaire and get matched with the right therapist for you. Get Started

Online Psychiatry

Hims / Hers – If you’re living with anxiety or depression, finding the right medication match may make all the difference. Get FDA approved medication prescribed by your dedicated Hims / Hers Healthcare Provider and delivered right to your door. Plans start at $25 per month (first month). Get Started

Medication + Therapy

Brightside Health – Together, medication and therapy can help you feel like yourself, faster. Brightside Health treatment plans start at $95 per month. United Healthcare, Anthem, Cigna, and Aetna accepted. Following a free online evaluation and receiving a prescription, you can get FDA approved medications delivered to your door. Free Assessment

Choosing Therapy Directory 

You can search for therapists by specialty,  experience, insurance, or price, and location. Find a therapist today.

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by Hims / Hers, Brightside, and BetterHelp.

For Further Reading

  • Family Caregiver Alliance
  • Alzheimer’s Association
  • National Alliance for Caregiving

Reminiscence Therapy Infographics

What is Reminiscence Therapy Benefits of Reminiscence Therapy Is Reminiscence Therapy EffectiveHow Does Reminiscence Therapy Work

9 sources

Choosing Therapy strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.

  • Reminiscence Therapy and Activities for Seniors. A Place for Mom. Retrieved from https://www.aplaceformom.com/resources/reminiscence-therapy-2

  • Geller, H. (October 27, 2017). Benefits of Reminiscence Therapy. Retrieved from https://eldercarealliance.org/blog/benefits-reminiscence-therapy/

  • (2022). The Benefits of Reminiscence Therapy for Seniors. ASSISTED LIVING.ORG. Retrieved from https://www.assistedliving.org/the-benefits-of-reminiscence-therapy-for-seniors/

  • Cotelli, M., Manenti, R., Zanetti, O. (2012) Reminiscence therapy in dementia: A review. Maturitas 72, 303-205. Retrieved from https://www.academia.edu/68052874/Reminiscence_therapy_in_dementia_A_review

  • Woods, B., O’Philbin, L., Farrell, E.M., Spector, A.E., Orrell, M. (March 1, 2018) Dementia and Cognitive Improvement group. Reminiscence Therapy for Dementia. Cochrane Database System, Cochrane Library. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001120.pub3 Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6494367/

  • Li, Mo MD,  Lyu, J. MD, Zhang, Y. MD, Gao M. MD, Li W, MD, Ma X., MD. (December 22, 2017). The clinical efficacy of reminiscence therapy in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer Disease. Medicine 96(51): e9381 doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000009381. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5758240/

  • (October 2020). Reminiscence for people with dementia. Why reminiscence (usually) works for people with dementia. Social Care Institute for Excellence. Retrieved from https://www.scie.org.uk/dementia/living-with-dementia/keeping-active/reminiscence.asp

  • Personal Interview. Dr. Jeremy Holloway, Geriatric Professor & Director of Geriatric Education.

  • Personal Interview. Jordan Lewis, Ph.D., MSW, Professor, Department of Family Medicine and BioBehavioral Health.

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Headshot of Iris Waichler MSW, LCSW
Written by:

Iris Waichler

MSW, LCSW
Headshot of Trishanna Sookdeo, MD, MPH, FAAFP
Reviewed by:

Trishanna Sookdeo

MD, MPH, FAAFP
  • What Is Reminiscence Therapy?Definition
  • Benefits of Reminiscence TherapyBenefits
  • Is Reminiscence Therapy Effective?Effectiveness
  • How Does Reminiscence Therapy Work?How It Works
  • How to Find a Reminiscence TherapistFinding a Therapist
  • Final ThoughtsConclusion
  • Additional ResourcesResources
  • Reminiscence Therapy InfographicsInfographics
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