A therapeutic programme for people with dementia

A programme involving Tai Chi and structured reminiscence was trialed with nine people suffering from moderately advanced dementia. The analysis reported here aimed to examine stories the people told with a view to understanding the purpose of story telling in their lives. Themes derived from the narrative data had a strong evaluative quality, ranging from simple evocative expressions to more cognitive complex insights or treasures. The study indicated a major aim in story telling as being able to generate life values, both for the enrichment of identification of self, and to pass on or leave for today's youth. Findings here further substantiate Luke and Freiden's view that old age has its own cognitive and spiritual goals to achieve. There is strong evidence that people with moderate dementia still aim to participate in that endeavour.