Montessori-Based Dementia Programming

Montessori-Based Dementia Programming® (MBDP) is an innovative method of working with older adults living with cognitive and/or physical impairments based on the method and philosophy of famed educator, Maria Montessori. Montessori-Based Dementia Programming® makes use of rehabilitation principles including guided repetition, task breakdown, and progressing from simple to complex. Additionally, principles of dementia interventions such as external cue usage and reliance on implicit memory are used. While this type of interaction with people who have Alzheimers can not cure or prevent the disease, it has been shown to generally improve many aspects of their quality of life. This was mentioned in the remarks given at an award presentation from the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA) upon conferring its Excellence in Research and Education Award press release. The creators of MBDP also received the 2004 Healthcare and Aging Award given by the American Society on Aging (ASA).

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 venues. These include Long-term care facilities(LTC's), Assisted Living Facilities, Independent Living, Home Health Care, as well as with both home-based caregivers (family members and friends) and in intergenerational programming where older adults with memory impairments interact with both the Montessori-based activities as well as with young children.

What is the basis for this intervention?

MBDP has been researched for over ten years by Dr. Cameron Camp (the creator of MBDP) and the staff of Myers Research Institute and has been shown to increase levels of engagement and participation in activities of persons with dementia. 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.[[1]] There are several manuals that detail the use of this technique including Montessori-based Activities for Persons with Dementia, vols. 1&2 and A Different Visit which focuses on Montessori activities for caregivers[2].