Montessori Methods Treating Dementia

A century ago, Maria Montessori began an alternative way to educate children. Today, the Montessori Method is still going strong in schools across the country, and it's not just for kids anymore.

85-year-old Millie Miller has the early signs of dementia, but she's not letting her memory slip away without a fight.

Twice a week she plays bingo, one of her favorite pastimes. The game is part of an innovative program to enrich the lives of patients with memory loss. The program is based on the Montessori Method for school children. Activities are hands-on and individually-paced so there's less room for frustration and failure.

Dr. John Trojanowski, an Alzheimer’s expert, says it is important to focus on the human aspect of every individual with the disease. Plenty of positive reinforcement along the way helps validate self-worth.

Medical experts are starting to see the positive affects the program is having on the patient’s mental acuteness and sleep patterns.

Nearly 100 facilities use the Montessori-based dementia program.