Masahiko Fujii

Doctor

Profession

Visiting Professor at the Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer Tohoku University

Chairman of Yamagata Kosei Hospital & Sendai Tomizawa Hospital.

Hospitals

Yamagata Kosei Hospital
Sendai Tomizawa Hospital

Emotional Therapy Perplexity

Concept of Emotional Therapy for Dementia Patients
Emotional therapy for dementia patients is a care approach that focuses on stimulating and supporting the emotional functions—such as empathy, joy, and sympathy—that are often retained even as cognitive abilities decline with dementia. This concept, developed and advocated by Masahiko Fujii, MD, PhD, and colleagues, shifts the focus from cognitive rehabilitation to emotional well-being, aiming to alleviate behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) and enhance quality of life.

Key Principles

Emotional Function Retention: While cognitive functions deteriorate in dementia, emotional functions like empathy and joy are often preserved. Care should therefore prioritize stimulating these emotional capacities.
Sensory and Artistic Stimulation: Comfortable sensory experiences—such as music, art, and especially dramatic performances—are used to evoke positive emotions and reduce negative behaviors.
Dramatic Emotional Therapy: This method involves professional actors performing readings and stories for patients, similar to a theater experience. Studies show that this approach increases positive emotional responses and reduces BPSD.
Quantum Emotional Therapy Hypothesis: Fujii proposes that emotional states in dementia may be less inhibited by cognitive observation, allowing patients to maintain "waves" of positive emotion. This theoretical framework suggests that fostering favorable emotional states is more effective than attempting to restore cognitive function.
Caregiver Influence: The emotional state of caregivers significantly impacts patients. Positive emotional stimulation from caregivers is encouraged to improve patient outcomes.

Therapeutic Goals

Increase Favorable Emotions: Shift patients from negative to positive emotional states, thereby reducing agitation, aggression, and other BPSD.
Enhance Quality of Life: Focus on emotional satisfaction and joy to promote well-being despite cognitive decline.
Reduce Medication Use: Non-drug therapies that stimulate positive emotions are preferred over antipsychotics, which may suppress both negative and positive emotional expressions.

Summary Table

Aspect Description

Focus: Emotional function (empathy, joy, sympathy)
Methods: Sensory/artistic stimulation, dramatic performances
Theoretical Basis: Retention of emotional function; quantum emotional theory
Outcomes: Reduced BPSD, increased positive emotions, improved quality of life
Caregiver Role: Positive caregiver emotions benefit patient outcomes
Medication: Minimize antipsychotics; favor non-drug emotional stimulation

Supporting Evidence:

Studies show that drama therapy and other emotional interventions can significantly improve depressive symptoms, attention, and quality of life in dementia patients.
Qualitative analyses reveal increased social contact, laughter, and better communication among patients receiving emotional therapy.
The approach is adaptable to individual interests and cognitive levels, making it broadly applicable in dementia care.

In Summary:

Emotional therapy for dementia patients, as conceptualized by Masahiko Fujii and colleagues, centers on stimulating retained emotional capacities through sensory and dramatic experiences, with the goal of alleviating behavioral symptoms and enhancing quality of life.