The mirror as a therapeutic tool for patients with dementia

Abstract

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.

Nursing Interventions in Managing Wandering Behavior in Patients With Dementia: A Literature Review

“…Firstly, the use of mirrors: A mirror placed in front of the exit door appears to reduce exiting in many cases (Mayer & Darby, 1991;Roberts, 1999;Tabak, Bergman, & Alpert, 1996). In Mayer and Darby's (1991) study, they observed nine habitual wanderers on a psychogeriatric ward compare with the rate of successful exit door contact over a 2-week period under three experimental conditions which include the use of a full-length mirror, placed in front of the door, the mirror reversed, and neither.…”

“…Due to the less number of participants and short time observation, this study has limitation. The survey conducted by Tabak et al (1996) was carried out on 100 patients suffering from dementia. The findings showed that most responses to looking in the mirror were positive and raised the patients' awareness regarding self-care.…”

Who Is That Stranger in the Mirror? The Mirror Experience for Elderly Patients With Dementia

“…The report concluded that therapeutic use of mirrors for dementia patients adds to the sense of well-being for both patients and staff. 13 In 1994, a woman living in a nursing home and confined to a chin-driven wheelchair confided to Freysteinson that she had not seen the lower half of her body in 7 years. She was concerned that she was not able to look to see if her catheter was showing.…”

International Reflections on Knowledge and Use of the Mirror in Nursing Practice

“…In 1996, in Israel (Tabak, Bergman, & Alpert, 1996), a nursing exploratory pilot study was conducted to observe dementia patients looking in a mirror. Positive emotion and expression was noted in 71 of the 100 patients.…”