Seniors with dementia use objects from the past to rekindle memories under NTUC Health programme (ST, 19 Oct 2026)
20 October 2026
Findings from GERI’s evaluation study on the Dementia Engagement Programme were featured in The Straits Times, highlighting the potential of a heritage-based approach to dementia care in the community.
GERI’s evaluation study on the Dementia Engagement Programme (DEP) was recently featured in The Straits Times, highlighting how heritage resources can help older adults living with dementia reconnect with memories from their past.
The DEP was developed by NTUC Health using heritage resources from the National Heritage Board, with clinical inputs from Khoo Teck Puat Hospital. GERI led the research evaluation of the pilot programme.
Dr Chou Chuen Yu (former Senior Research Fellow, GERI) spoke to the media to share key findings from the pilot study. He shared that 72% of participants sustained positive moods and became more expressive after undergoing the DEP. The programme’s key benefit is helping these older adults with mild to moderate dementia with memory reactivation.
NTUC Health plans to expand the programme to 27 centres in three years' time, demonstrating the potential of non-pharmacological approaches to dementia care in the community.
Read the full ST story here (opens in new tab).
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