AUSTRALIA: How puppetry and theatre skills are helping people with dementia

"Playing with puppets to help people living with dementia is not something Danielle Jackson ever thought she'd end up doing. But that's exactly what the drama therapist, with Tasmania's Terrapin theatre, will be doing with her next project, Forever Young.

Danielle is spending the next 12 months researching and developing a program that will bring puppetry to aged care homes, giving residents a chance to engage their imaginations.

"Puppetry isn't just child's play, it has a role in alleviating things like depression, loneliness, and the need for expression," Danielle told ABC Radio Hobart.

Drama therapy uses storytelling archetypes, role-play and theatre techniques to explore expression and story. Danielle's project aims to enhance the wellbeing, cognitive and memory function of people with dementia, and thereby reduce stress and increase social interaction."

Read more about Danielle's drama therapy project here.