Research and resources
If you're supporting someone with dementia, you might wonder if they can maintain their abilities and continue doing what matters to them. The answer is yes, and there's strong evidence showing how. On this page you will find:
Building on abilities, not limitations
Cognitive rehabilitation and reablement (CRR) approaches are about strengthening and maintaining what's still there, not about fixing what may be lost. CRR helps persons living with dementia continue doing everyday activities that matter to them, from dressing and cooking to enjoying hobbies and staying connected with loved ones. CRR approaches do not require any medication, so can be adopted wtihout worrying about side effects. These are the common elements of CRR:
Goal-oriented
Focus on what matters most to the individual: personal goals, valued activities, and meaningful daily tasks.
Collaborative
Success comes when the person with dementia, family members, and healthcare professionals work together as partners.
Adaptive
Plans evolve as needs change, with ongoing support that adjusts to maintain independence throughout the journey.
What does this look like in daily life?
Care partners can help supported persons continue with everyday activities. This might require adjusting the level of help, gradually increasing or decreasing assistance based on what the supported person can do independently. Opportunities to transform daily living include:
Morning routines
Maintain familiar routines, break down tasks like making coffee into simple steps, and use visual cues to help someone do these activities independently.
Staying connected
Use memory aids, simplified technology, and structured activities like regular coffee catch-ups to maintain relationships and community engagement.
Home activities
Adapt the environment with clear labels, good lighting, and organised spaces so someone can continue cooking, gardening, or pursuing hobbies safely.
Personal care
Use gentle and consistent suggestions, step-by-step guidance, and assistive tools to support independence in bathing, grooming, and dressing.
What the evidence shows
A rigorous review of CRR studies demonstrates the effectiveness of these approaches for people with dementia:
1700+
People in recent studies showing meaningful improvements
6
Major clinical trials confirming benefits
3-12
Months of sustained improvement after treatment
What the evidence shows
A rigorous review of CRR studies demonstrates the effectiveness of these approaches for people with dementia:
People in recent studies showing meaningful improvements
Major clinical trials confirming benefits
Months of sustained improvement after treatment
Key findings from recent research
Better daily functioning | People with mild to moderate dementia who received cognitive rehabilitation perform better on their own chosen goals—tasks and activities important to them—compared to usual care. |
Increased confidence | Participants felt more satisfied with how they performed everyday activities and reported improved feelings of wellbeing. |
Lasting benefits | Improvements continued both immediately after treatment and 3–12 months later. |
Reduced care needs | Reablement practices can reduce the need for more intensive care while promoting mental and physical wellbeing. |
Staying home longer | Research shows these approaches help people with dementia remain in their own homes for longer and delay transistion to residential care. |
References
- Alzheimer's Disease International. (2025). World Alzheimer Report 2025: Reimagining life with dementia - the power of rehabilitation. Full report available online
- Metzelthin SF, Thuesen J, Tuntland H, Zingmark M, Jeon YH, Kristensen HK, Low LF, Poulos CJ, Pool J, Rahja M, Rosendahl E, de Vugt ME, Giebel C, Graff MJL, Clare L. (2024). Embracing Reablement as an Essential Support Approach for Dementia Care in the 21st Century: A Position Paper. J Multidiscip Healthc. 17:5583-5591. doi: 10.2147/JMDH.S484069. Link to publication
- Kudlicka A, Martyr A, Bahar-Fuchs A, Sabates J, Woods B, Clare L. (2023). Cognitive rehabilitation for people with mild to moderate dementia. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Issue 6. Art. No.: CD013388. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD013388.pub2. Link to publication