Abstract

Objective: In the United Kingdom, the twiddle muff is used in dementia care. The purpose of this study was to examine the clinical usefulness of the muff in treating psychological stress in older people with dementia, and to examine how to use it in dementia care.

Methods: Eighteen patients aged 65 years with a “level of independence in activities of daily living for older people with dementia” of I–III who were using long-term care insurance services were included in the study. Participants were asked to freely touch the muff for 20 minutes, and measurements of the salivary amylase activity levels and mood inventory (MI) taken before and after the intervention were compared.

Results: The mean salivary amylase activity values tended to decrease after the intervention, although this was not statistically significant, and no significant changes were observed in the five MI factors: “nervousness and excitement,” “exhilaration,” “fatigue,” “depression,” or “anxiety.” The female participants shared stories about their childhood or family during the intervention, and provided positive feedback on the muffs.

Conclusions: Muffs may promote life reviews and positively affect the mental health of older people with dementia.

Key words: dementia, life review, mental health, psychological stress, twiddle muff