Humour therapy 'can aid people with dementia'

Older adults who have been diagnosed with dementia may find they are able to benefit as a result of humour therapy.

According to Peter Spitzer, who is also known as Doctor Fruit-Loop, research has been carried out showing that humour therapy is enhancing the lives of people affected by dementia and their families.

Speaking to ABC, he said happiness has been indicated to improve as a result of humour therapy, while positive behaviours have also been noted, along with a reduction in agitation.

"We find that not only does this make a difference to the residents, but also the families and it also makes a difference to staff because staff have got a very difficult job," he said.

Greg Woods, the director of music at Therapeia (Cornwall) CIC, recently told the West Briton that the Sing Along Machine he has designed has benefits for older adults who have been diagnosed with dementia.

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