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The mirror as a therapeutic tool for patients with dementia
Author(s) -
Tabak Nili,
Bergman Rebecca,
Alpert Rachel
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
international journal of nursing practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.62
H-Index - 55
eISSN - 1440-172X
pISSN - 1322-7114
DOI - 10.1111/j.1440-172x.1996.tb00042.x
Subject(s) - dementia , medicine , psychology , psychotherapist , disease
The aim of the study was to examine changes in patient behavior that occurred as a consequence of looking in a mirror. How do dementia patients relate to their image in the mirror? Is the use of the mirror effective in raising levels of self‐awareness, calmness and satisfaction? The survey was carried out on 100 patients suffering from dementia: 67 women and 33 men aged between 67 and 85. The findings showed that most responses to looking in the mirror were positive and raised the patients’awareness regarding self‐care. In a small number of patients, looking into the mirror aroused feelings of anger or despair, followed by relief and calmness. Findings indicated that the use of mirrors enabled nurses and caregivers to communicate better with patients. Most patients appeared to benefit in various ways from looking into the mirrors. The staff felt that use of mirrors was an inexpensive and efficient therapeutic tool for improving care of demented aged patients.