Caring for Memory
Exploring Applied Theatre as a Resource in Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease Care
Abstract
This article explores the potential for artistic experiences to address dementia, a growing global health challenge with no pharmacological cure. The role of arts-based approaches in dementia care is reviewed, with a specific focus on applied theatre experiences. Drawing on the World Health Organization’s report and syntheses of recent evidence, it highlights how artistic engagement – through multimodal stimulation involving aesthetic, emotional, cognitive, and social elements – supports psychological well-being, social connectedness, and quality of life for people living with dementia and their caregivers. The paper then presents applied theatre methodologies, characterized by participatory workshops emphasizing subjectivity and different languages (not cognitive, but primarily bodily) that make these methods particularly feasible for work in the field of dementia. An Italian case study, “Teatro Fragile” by Compagnie Malviste, is presented as an exemplary applied theatre project, Alzheimer Cafés, which are integrated into the local social care system and are yielding measurable improvements in both patients and caregivers’ wellbeing.
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References
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Boersma, P., van Weert, J. C. M., van Meijel, B., & Dröes, R.-M. (2019). Testing the implementation of the Veder contact method: A theatre-based communication method in dementia care. Dementia and Neuropsychologia, 13(1): 53–61.
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Ericksen, J. (2018). A therapeutic playgroup for depressed mothers and their infants: Feasibility study and pilot randomized trial of Community Hugs® therapeutic play for depressed mothers and infants. Infant Mental Health Journal, 39(4): 396–409.
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McManus, K., Tao, H., Jennelle, P., Wheeler, J., & Anderson, G. (2022). The effect of a performing arts intervention on caregivers of people with mild to moderately severe dementia. Aging & Mental Health, 26(4): 735–744.
Phinney, A., Kelson, E., Baumbusch, J., O’Connor, D., Purves, B. Walking in the neighbourhood: Performing social citizenship in dementia. Dementia. 2016;15(3): 381-394.
Pontremoli A., Rossi Ghiglione A., Fabris R. M., Zangirolami V. (Eds.). (2025), Per-formare il sociale. Vol. 4: Performing Arts, Well-Being e Salute di Comunità. Teatro e danza: una risorsa per il benessere e la salute. Roma: Bulzoni.
Prentki, T., & Preston, S. (2009). Applied theatre: An introduction. In T. Prentki & S. Preston (Eds.), The applied theatre reader (pp. 9–15). London-New York: Routledge.
Särkämö, T., Tervaniemi, M., Laitinen, S., Numminen, A., Kurki, M., Johnson, J. K., & Rantanen, P. (2014). Cognitive, emotional, and social benefits of regular musical activities in early dementia: Randomized controlled study. The Gerontologist, 54(4): 634–650.
Watt, B., Witt, S., Susino, M., Anolak, H., Van Wegen, R., Grocke, D., & Gordon, S. (2024). Systematic review of group-based creative arts interventions in support of informal care-givers of adults: a narrative synthesis. Ageing & Society, 44(5): 1146–1179.
Windle, V., Gregory, S., Jackson, S., McEwan, A., & Reed, L. (2020). How can the arts influence the attitudes of dementia caregivers? A mixed methods longitudinal study. Dementia, 19(6): 1965–1985.
World Health Organization. (2025). Dementia. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia (last accessed: 04/03/2026).
Zeisel, J., Skrajner, M., Zeisel, E., Wilson, M. N., & Gage, C. (2018). Scripted-IMPROV® interactive improvisational drama with persons with dementia – Effects on engagement, affect, depression, and quality of life. American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias, 33(4): 232–241.
Aldridge, F., Spensley, F., & Cousins, J. (2015). Drama therapy with older people with dementia – Does it improve quality of life? The Arts in Psychotherapy, 42: 7–14.
Alzheimer Europe. (n.d.). Alzheimer Cafés. https://www.alz.org/what-we-do/policy/dementia-friendly-communities/alzheimer-cafes/ (last accessed: 04/03/2026).
Alzheimer’s Disease International. (2024). World Alzheimer Report 2024: Life after Diagnosis. https://www.alzint.org/resource/world-alzheimer-report-2024 (last accessed: 04/03/2026).
Basting, A. (2018). Building creative communities of care: Arts, dementia, and hope in the United States. Dementia, 17(6): 744–754.
Bernardi, C. (2004). Il teatro sociale. L’arte tra disagio e cura. Roma: Carocci editore.
Bernardi, C., & Innocenti Malini, G. (eds.). (2021). Performing the social: Education, care and social inclusion through theatre. Milano: FrancoAngeli.
Boersma, P., van Weert, J. C. M., van Meijel, B., & Dröes, R.-M. (2019). Testing the implementation of the Veder contact method: A theatre-based communication method in dementia care. Dementia and Neuropsychologia, 13(1): 53–61.
Bowers, G. (2024). Performing arts as a non-pharmacological intervention for people with dementia and their care partners: A qualitative evaluation of the B/C-Sharp program. Frontiers in Psychology, 14: 1149711.
Burns, N., Watts, A., Perales, J., Montgomery, R. N., Morris, J., Mahnken, J., Lowther, J., & Vidoni, E. (2018). The impact of creative arts in Alzheimer’s disease and dementia public health education. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 63(2): 457–463.
Campostrini, A., Manzella, A., & Caracciolo, F. (2018). Teatro fragile: Guida agli effetti delle pratiche teatrali sui malati di Alzheimer. Milano: Mimesis Edizioni.
Chancellor, B., Duncan, A., & Chatterjee, A. (2014). Art therapy for people with dementia. International Review of Psychiatry, 26(4): 483–492.
Chung, K.S.Y., Lee, E.S.L., Tan, J.Q., Teo, D.J.H., Lee, C.B.L., Ee, S.R., Sim, S. K.Y., & Chee, C.S. (2018). Effects of playback theatre on cognitive function and quality of life in older adults in Singapore: A preliminary study. Australasian Journal on Ageing, 37(S1): E33-E36.
CultureForHealth. (2022). Culture’s contribution to health and well-being: A report on evidence and policy recommendations for Europe. Bruxelles: Culture Action Europe.
Emblad, A., & Gray, K. (2021). Creative art therapy as a non-pharmacological intervention for dementia: A systematic review. Aging & Mental Health, 25(12): 2175–2190.
Ericksen, J. (2018). A therapeutic playgroup for depressed mothers and their infants: Feasibility study and pilot randomized trial of Community Hugs® therapeutic play for depressed mothers and infants. Infant Mental Health Journal, 39(4): 396–409.
Fancourt, D., & Steptoe, A. (2018). Cultural engagement predicts changes in cognitive function in older adults over a 10-year period: Findings from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. Scientific Reports, 8: 10226.
Fancourt, D., Finn, S. (2019). What is the evidence on the role of the arts in improving health and well-being? A scoping review. Geneva: WHO Regional Office for Europe. https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/329834/9789289054553-eng.pdf (last accessed: 04/03/2026).
Freebody, K., Balfour, M., Finneran, M., & Anderson, M. (Eds.). (2018). Applied theatre: Understanding change. Cham: Springer.
Giusti, A., Pileri, D., Pizzichemi, A., Spallino, L., & Pezzullo, A. M. (2023). Art therapy in Alzheimer’s disease: An opportunity of non-pharmacological intervention. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 14: 1198613.
Gjengedal, E., Lykkeslet, E., Sæther, W. H., & Sørb, J. I. (2018). Theatre as an eye-opener: How theatre may contribute to knowledge about living close to persons with dementia. Dementia, 17(4): 439–451.
Innocenti Malini, G. (2011). Dell’irriducibile dolore. Criteri di metodo del teatro sociale. Errepiesse, 3: 87–98.
Innocenti Malini, G. (2020). Quarta età. Esperienze di teatro sociale con anziani fragili a Milano. Milano: EduCatt.
Irons, J. Y., Petronzi, R., Lee, K., Lovell, N., Baker, F. A., & Rickard, N. (2021). An integrative systematic review of creative arts interventions for informal caregivers of patients with neurological conditions. Applied Nursing Research, 59: 151416.
Kim, J., Choi, Y., Park, J., Lee, J., & Kim, S. (2025). Effects of an art-based intervention in older adults with dementia: A randomized controlled trial. Scientific Reports, 15: 95051.
Kontos, P., Mitchell, G.J., Mistry, B., & Ballon, B. (2010). Using drama to improve person-centred dementia care. International Journal of Older People Nursing, 5(2): 159–168.
Le Compagnie Malviste. (n.d.). APS Le Compagnie Malviste - Teatro, città, salute. https://www.lecompagniemalviste.orglecompagniemalviste (last accessed: 04/03/2026).
Li-Wei, L.I.N., Yi-Hsin, L.U., & Shu-Hui, Y.E.H. (2022). Effects of drama therapy on depressive symptoms, attention, and quality of life in patients with dementia. Journal of Nursing Research, 30(1): e188.
Low, K. E., Baxter, V. (Eds.). (2017), Applied Theatre: Performing Health and Wellbeing. London: Bloomsbury Methuen.
McManus, K., Tao, H., Jennelle, P., Wheeler, J., & Anderson, G. (2022). The effect of a performing arts intervention on caregivers of people with mild to moderately severe dementia. Aging & Mental Health, 26(4): 735–744.
Phinney, A., Kelson, E., Baumbusch, J., O’Connor, D., Purves, B. Walking in the neighbourhood: Performing social citizenship in dementia. Dementia. 2016;15(3): 381-394.
Pontremoli A., Rossi Ghiglione A., Fabris R. M., Zangirolami V. (Eds.). (2025), Per-formare il sociale. Vol. 4: Performing Arts, Well-Being e Salute di Comunità. Teatro e danza: una risorsa per il benessere e la salute. Roma: Bulzoni.
Prentki, T., & Preston, S. (2009). Applied theatre: An introduction. In T. Prentki & S. Preston (Eds.), The applied theatre reader (pp. 9–15). London-New York: Routledge.
Särkämö, T., Tervaniemi, M., Laitinen, S., Numminen, A., Kurki, M., Johnson, J. K., & Rantanen, P. (2014). Cognitive, emotional, and social benefits of regular musical activities in early dementia: Randomized controlled study. The Gerontologist, 54(4): 634–650.
Watt, B., Witt, S., Susino, M., Anolak, H., Van Wegen, R., Grocke, D., & Gordon, S. (2024). Systematic review of group-based creative arts interventions in support of informal care-givers of adults: a narrative synthesis. Ageing & Society, 44(5): 1146–1179.
Windle, V., Gregory, S., Jackson, S., McEwan, A., & Reed, L. (2020). How can the arts influence the attitudes of dementia caregivers? A mixed methods longitudinal study. Dementia, 19(6): 1965–1985.
World Health Organization. (2025). Dementia. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia (last accessed: 04/03/2026).
Zeisel, J., Skrajner, M., Zeisel, E., Wilson, M. N., & Gage, C. (2018). Scripted-IMPROV® interactive improvisational drama with persons with dementia – Effects on engagement, affect, depression, and quality of life. American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias, 33(4): 232–241.
Published
2026-05-01
How to Cite
Reichlin, M. (2026). Caring for Memory. Critical Hermeneutics, 10(special), 127-143. https://doi.org/10.13125/CH/6965
Section
Articles
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