Does the well-being of individuals with Down syndrome and dementia improve when using life story books and rummage boxes? A randomised single case series experiment

Background: This study investigated whether a personalised life story book and rummage box enhanced well-being and led to changes in behaviour for people with Down syndrome (DS) who have dementia.

Materials & Methods: A randomised single-case series design was used with five participants who had Down syndrome and a diagnosis of dementia. Participants were invited to take part in three conditions at random a) life story book, b) rummage box and c) no intervention condition.

Results: The two reminiscence conditions were significantly associated with enhanced well-being as compared to the no-intervention condition. However, for one participant, the life story book was associated with significantly higher well-being, while for another participant, the rummage box was associated with significantly higher well-being, suggesting some participants may prefer one method over another.

Conclusions: Personalised life story books and rummage boxes are associated with higher levels of well-being for people with DS and dementia.