Therapeutic activities for people with dementia — what, why… and why not?

This paper reviews the literature pertaining to the provision of therapeutic activities for elderly people suffering from dementia. It relates both the provision of such activities, and the types of activity done, to the values and beliefs held by nurses and other professional carers. The range of therapeutic activities cited in the literature is explored, and reasons why activities are sometimes not offered to patients are discussed. Finally, research findings into the effectiveness and value of therapeutic activities for this group of people are reviewed.