Is doll therapy theraputic or childish? The ethics of using dolls in dementia care homes.

  Background: What is doll therapy? The origins of doll therapy. Doll therapy as a therapeutic intervention. How is doll therapy practiced in care homes and why life -like dolls are used? The benefits of using doll therapy. Main body: The positive and negative effects of doll therapy. Do women with dementia benefit more than men from holding and nurturing dolls? Doll therapy inappropriate and demeaning for some care givers and family members of the patient. The controversy and misconceptions of doll therapy; some care givers find this patronising. Conclusion: The ethical issues of doll therapy. Doll therapy across different cultures.