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