Why Meaningful Engagement (ME) Matters for People with Dementia

Let’s start with a question. Which of the following activities is best associated with lowering agitation and improving psychological health in older people with dementia?

a)      Bingo

b)      Trivia

c)      Word Games

d)      MemPics®

Before we provide the correct question, let’s first briefly discuss what meaningful engagement (ME) is.  While definitions do vary, the consensus is that an activity is high in meaningful engagement when participants feel a sense of belonging and connection, when their participation is active and not passive, and when the activity content is consistent with their previous or current interests or life roles. Meaningful engagement can be achieved in small groups, in one-to-one interactions, and sometimes in large groups.

The desire for meaningful activity is part of human nature, and the science supporting the benefits of ME is quite clear. People of all ages who participate in activities that they experience as meaningful are more likely to have better physical and psychological health than those who do not. A significant problem for people with dementia is that they often lack the executive skills to initiate and find meaningful activities.  In fact, it is often necessary for caregivers and staff to bring meaningful activity to them.

People with dementia who do not have frequent opportunities for ME are more likely to be physically aggressive, persistently anxious, confused, and readmitted to hospitals.  They are also more likely to receive antipsychotics and other psychotropics. Unfortunately, there are very few evidence-based ME activities for people who have dementia.  This point was emphasized in a national survey of healthcare professionals who treat patients with dementia, as 92% reported the need for more activities that are high in ME for people with dementia.

Now, back to our question.  The correct answer – (d) MemPics®. In a CMS-funded study1, the MemPics® book series was found by both residents and staff to have higher ME than other activities provided in nursing homes and senior living communities. This finding was consistent with geriatric healthcare professionals; 90% of whom endorsed MemPics® as a “go to” program for people with dementia.

You can read about the science supporting MemPics® at www.thebcat.com/bcat-research-center.  You can access them at either the Amazon online bookstore or www.enrichvisits.com.

Mansbach, W. E., Mace, R. A., Clark, K. M., & Firth, I. M. (2016). Meaningful activity for long-term care residents with dementia: A comparison of activities and raters. The Gerontologist, 57(3), 461–468. doi: 10.1093/geront/gnv694