ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the dementias, together with the increasing use of reminiscence and counselling strategies within dementia care work. The two most common forms of irreversible dementia seem to be Alzheimer's disease and Vascular Dementia. Some researchers argue that the incidence of Lewy body disease, a cortico-sub-cortical condition, is higher than that of Vascular Dementia. The approach used during the interviews combined Rogerian counselling skills with the use of reminiscence/life review therapy with elderly dementia patients. A discussion of psychotherapeutic interventions, especially with older people with dementia, indicates some interesting and beneficial lines of inquiry. T. Kitwood writes convincingly of the need for a psychotherapeutic approach with this client group. N. Feil suggests that use of Validation therapy as a therapeutic tool needs specific skills. Reminiscence therapy has become a major tool for many practitioners engaged in various aspects of work with the client group.
