Could a doll ease dementia symptoms? new study tests a simple, Drug-Free approach

This study tests whether giving people with dementia a lifelike doll to care for can reduce their need for medications like antipsychotics and improve their mood and behavior. The trial involves 142 residents aged 65 and older across six nursing homes in China, comparing those who receive doll therapy plus usual care with those who receive usual care alone. Researchers will track medication use, behavioral symptoms, and daily function over 12 weeks, and interview staff and families about how well the approach works in practice.