TV content is high quality care for people with dementia says University Professor

TV can play a big part in high quality care for people living with dementia, according to research. Many carers worry about leaving loved ones in front of the television for too long and, over the years, many of us have absorbed the idea that TV is somehow bad for our health, but according to studies turning TV off for people with dementia is a mistake. According to Professor June Andrews from the University of Stirling, the part TV viewing plays in stimulating dementia patients, keeping them connected to society and creating new memories shouldn’t be underestimated.

Used as part of a wider range of planned activities, carefully chosen programmes or video content can give people with dementia the opportunity to reminisce, stay socially engaged, laugh and feel connected to those around them, especially if the content is easy to follow, musical and multisensory.