Problem addressed

Dementia is a rapidly growing challenge worldwide. It is a hugely expensive disease to treat, and with rising life expectancy, the number of cases is expected to increase dramatically in the coming decades. Caring for people living with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia will pose significant challenges for families, health systems, and social networks. Experts estimate that 250,000 people in Hungary are currently living with dementia. Considering the significant impact on caregivers (relatives and others), the total number of individuals affected is closer to one million. An international study projects that the global number of people living with dementia may increase to 152.8 million by 2050 (a 166% increase compared to 2019). In Hungary, the number of people living with dementia is projected to rise to 295,000 by 2050, representing a 61% increase compared to 2019.

Innovative solution

In Hungary, the Open Air Museum is the first cultural institution to offer unique opportunities to work with people with dementia. One of the key characteristics of dementia is memory impairment, the decline of short-term memory can be observed, in contrast to this, memories stored in long-term memory can be easily recalled. This forms the foundation of the Museum's Dementia Program. The open-air museum environment provides an opportunity to relive the childhood and youth of elderly people living with dementia. By providing a whole setting of a house equipped with objects that can be used – like furniture, tools, clothing, and household items – all senses are activated. The program is based on reminiscence, where past experiences (movements, smells, tastes, sights) are recalled to bring back memories from the subconscious. Engaging the senses through various activities helps to reactivate these memories. In a reminiscent environment of their early life, participants experience increased confidence, boosting their self-esteem. Cultural therapy based on collections has proven effective across time and disciplines in improving the quality of life of people living with dementia. 

This is an interdisciplinary endeavor. Cooperation is crucial, as different humanities sectors are mutually beneficial. Health and social care sectors can benefit from museum-based methods, while the museum itself relies on these sectors to fulfill its social goals.

Key results and benefits

The sessions contribute to slowing down the progression of dementia, improving quality of life, and enabling participants to remain independent, in their homes for as long as possible. Participants' self-confidence and self-esteem increase, leading to improved overall well-being, which also positively impacts their caregivers. We actively encourage caregivers and anyone accompanying the elderly to the reminiscence sessions to participate in the program. This has a profoundly therapeutic effect on everyone involved. Participants witness firsthand how individuals living with dementia can regain self-confidence, effectively communicate, and function more independently, as they did before their memory problems started. This has a reciprocal effect on caregivers and family members. Raising awareness helps to eliminate the social stigma associated with dementia and provides valuable tools for supporting individuals living with the condition.

Potential for mainstreaming

We have developed an internationally adaptable model program that can be effectively implemented in diverse cultural contexts. Several program elements can be adapted by others (social-, health- and museum professionals, formal and non-formal caregivers) :

• Effective communication with people living with dementia.
• Triggering long-term memory through sensory experiences.
• Reminiscing based on elements of cultural heritage.

Our long-term goal is to create a dementia-friendly museum network in Hungary. We are actively involved in vocational and university education as an outsourced site. We also conduct outreach programs for hospitals and care homes and offer training for social-health and museum professionals. We provide consulting opportunities for relatives on how to adapt the methods we use at home. The cooperation between the museum and the social-health partners fosters mutual influence and learning between the two spheres.