Exploring museums as non-medical treatment for dementia: results of a randomized controlled trial

Aim Given the limited treatment options for dementia, social prescribing could aid in improving well-being and quality of life. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) examines the impact of a museum-based intervention on people with dementia and caregivers. Subject and methods We assigned 58 dyads of a person with dementia and their caregiver to guided (intervention) or unguided museum visits (control). Psychosocial outcomes were measured pre-intervention (T0) and 2 weeks post-intervention (T1), with caregiver burden additionally reassessed after 6 months (T2). Results Depressive symptoms assessed with the Geriatric Depression Scale decreased in people with dementia across groups ( p = .004). Caregivers’ health-related quality of life, measured with the EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-Level (EQ-5D-5L) visual analogue scale, improved in the intervention group ( p = .005). Caregiver burden measured with the Zarit Burden Interview remained stable by T1 but worsened by T2 in both groups ( p < .001). Participants across groups showed situational physical improvements and improved well-being (all p < .001). Conclusion Although our results did not reveal a relevant alleviation of caregiver burden, museum visits were associated with psychosocial benefits extending beyond the situational context for people with dementia as well as caregivers and may thus represent a valuable addition to dementia care.