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Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 60 and up

Doll Therapy for Apathy and Daily Living in Older Adults with Dementia

Official title: Effects of Doll Therapy on Apathy and Activities of Daily Living Initiation Deficits in Older Adults With Dementia: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Run by Guangzhou Medical University · NCT07907042 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests whether doll therapy helps reduce apathy and improves starting daily activities in older adults with dementia.

More Dementia trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages60 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment106 (estimated)
SponsorGuangzhou Medical University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Guangdong, Guangzhou)
StatusRecruiting
StartedAugust 10, 2026
Main results expectedJanuary 30, 2027
Study endsFebruary 14, 2027
Registry record updatedNovember 3, 2026
Trial IDNCT07907042 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Older adults (60+) with dementia, hospitalized for more than four weeks, and with AES-I scores indicating apathy.

Probably not a fit

Individuals who decline doll interaction, have severe sensory impairments not correctable, or have uncontrolled behavioral symptoms may not benefit.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This interventional study examines the effect of guided doll therapy on apathy levels and initiation of basic activities of daily living in older adults with dementia. Participants are 60 years or older, diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias, and have been hospitalized for more than four weeks with notable apathy. The primary goal is to see if doll therapy can reduce apathy; a secondary goal is to see if it improves initiation of daily activities such as dressing and personal care. The therapy involves structured interaction with dolls to promote emotional engagement and participation. Results from this trial may inform non-pharmacological approaches to maintaining daily functioning in dementia care.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, doll therapy could help patients initiate daily activities more independently and reduce caregiver burden.

How similar studies have gone: Prior studies suggest doll therapy can improve behavioral symptoms in dementia, but its effect on apathy and BADL initiation is less well established.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Aged 60 years or older.
2. Diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or other types of dementia according to the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10), or with major neurocognitive disorder according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5).
3. Hospitalization duration exceeding 4 weeks.
4. Apathy Evaluation Scale-Informant Version (AES-I) score ≥33.
5. Not participating in any other clinical research trials.
6. Voluntary participation with written informed consent provided by the participant or their legally authorized representative.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Explicit refusal to interact with dolls.
2. Severe uncorrected hearing or visual impairment.
3. Uncontrolled severe behavioral and psychological symptoms (e.g., delusions or aggressive behavior) or a primary psychiatric disorder (e.g., schizophrenia or bipolar disorder).
4. Comorbid conditions that may impair the ability to independently perform personal hygiene activities, such as hemiplegia, paralysis, joint or skeletal disorders, or Parkinson's disease.
5. Presence of a terminal illness.

Where it's running

  • Guangzhou Geriatric Hospital
    Guangdong, Guangzhou, China     Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
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Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.