Montessori-Based Dementia Programming
Encyclopedia
Montessori-Based Dementia Programming (MBDP) is a method of working with
older adults living with cognitive and/or physical impairments based on the ideas of the educator Maria Montessori
. It has been shown to increase levels of engagement and participation in activities of persons with dementia. While it can not cure or prevent Alzheimer's disease
, it has been shown to generally improve many aspects of the quality of life of those who have it.
interventions such as external cue usage and reliance on implicit memory are used. Examples of activities include reading groups and memory games.
, assisted living
, independent living
and home-based care. It is also used in intergenerational programming where older adults with memory impairments and young children participate together in Montessori-based activities.
The science behind this work has been best described in scientific articles and trade journals, ranging from The Gerontologist to Activity Director's Quarterly and from Caring (the magazine of the National Association for Home Care) to Topics in Geriatric Rehab. It has also been featured in a story in the AARP
Bulletin.
On 11-28-07 the Cleveland Plain Dealer ran a story about MBDP on the front page of the Metro section. This story highlights the use of the technique in a long-term care facility.
older adults living with cognitive and/or physical impairments based on the ideas of the educator Maria Montessori
Maria Montessori
Maria Montessori was an Italian physician and educator, a noted humanitarian and devout Catholic best known for the philosophy of education which bears her name...
. It has been shown to increase levels of engagement and participation in activities of persons with dementia. While it can not cure or prevent Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease also known in medical literature as Alzheimer disease is the most common form of dementia. There is no cure for the disease, which worsens as it progresses, and eventually leads to death...
, it has been shown to generally improve many aspects of the quality of life of those who have it.
Principles
Montessori-Based Dementia Programming uses rehabilitation principles including guided repetition, task breakdown, and progressing from simple to complex. Additionally, principles of dementiaDementia
Dementia is a serious loss of cognitive ability in a previously unimpaired person, beyond what might be expected from normal aging...
interventions such as external cue usage and reliance on implicit memory are used. Examples of activities include reading groups and memory games.
Where is it used?
This method of helping persons with dementia and other memory impairments has been shown to be effective in a number of different contexts, including long-term careLong-term care
Long-term care is a variety of services which help meet both the medical and non-medical need of people with a chronic illness or disability who cannot care for themselves for long periods of time....
, assisted living
Assisted living
Assisted living residences or assisted living facilities provide supervision or assistance with activities of daily living ; coordination of services by outside health care providers; and monitoring of resident activities to help to ensure their health, safety, and well-being.Assistance may...
, independent living
Independent living
Independent living, as seen by its advocates, is a philosophy, a way of looking at disability and society, and a worldwide movement of people with disabilities working for self-determination, self-respect and equal opportunities...
and home-based care. It is also used in intergenerational programming where older adults with memory impairments and young children participate together in Montessori-based activities.
Who uses it?
Montessori-based Dementia Programming is primarily used by recreational therapists and activities professionals. However, Dr. Cameron Camp stresses that any staff member of a nursing facility (nurses, social workers, dietary staff) should be trained in and implement Montessori-based Dementia Programming with their residents.History
MBDP has been researched for over ten years by Dr. Cameron Camp (the creator of MBDP) and the staff of the Myers Research Institute.Recognition
MBDP received the Excellence in Research and Education Award from the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA). The creators of MBDP also received the 2004 Healthcare and Aging Award given by the American Society on Aging (ASA).The science behind this work has been best described in scientific articles and trade journals, ranging from The Gerontologist to Activity Director's Quarterly and from Caring (the magazine of the National Association for Home Care) to Topics in Geriatric Rehab. It has also been featured in a story in the AARP
AARP
AARP, formerly the American Association of Retired Persons, is the United States-based non-governmental organization and interest group, founded in 1958 by Ethel Percy Andrus, PhD, a retired educator from California, and based in Washington, D.C. According to its mission statement, it is "a...
Bulletin.
On 11-28-07 the Cleveland Plain Dealer ran a story about MBDP on the front page of the Metro section. This story highlights the use of the technique in a long-term care facility.