Why Emotional Well-being Matters in Early Dementia

A diagnosis of dementia can be overwhelming. Individuals in the early stages often experience shock, sadness, anxiety, and depression as they come to terms with what lies ahead.

However, one of the most evidence-based and emotionally empowering tools available is the life review process—a structured, reflective practice that brings purpose, peace, and connection.

According to Dementia Australia, addressing mental health in early-stage dementia is just as important as managing cognitive decline. Life review offers a non-pharmaceutical, person-centred intervention with lasting benefits.

What is a Life Review?

Life review involves intentionally reflecting on key moments, relationships, values, achievements, challenges, and milestones. This can include storytelling, photographs, letters, memory boxes, or audio/video recordings.

Unlike informal reminiscence, life review is structured and goal-driven—often facilitated by a therapist, family member, or legacy tool like Evaheld. It fosters a sense of continuity and personal identity in the face of cognitive change.

Clinical Benefits of Life Review

Numerous studies have shown that life review improves emotional wellbeing in people with early dementia:

• Reduced depression and anxiety
• Increased self-worth and mood stability
• Improved communication and relationship satisfaction
• Enhanced resilience and acceptance

A 2020 meta-analysis published in BMC Geriatrics confirmed that life review therapy significantly lowers depression scores in individuals with early dementia. These findings are echoed in real-life applications through initiatives like the Family Legacy Series.

Tools and Techniques for a Guided Life Review

Written Reflections

Journals, guided booklets, or online legacy tools allow individuals to write about their childhood, family, love, work, and lessons learned.

Visual Storytelling

Photos, art, and memorabilia can be used to prompt memories. This approach is ideal for individuals who enjoy creative expression.

Audio/Video Recording

Platforms like Evaheld Legacy Vault enable people to record voice or video messages—perfect for capturing tone, personality, and facial expressions.

Collaborative Storytelling

Invite family or carers to join the journey. They can help fill in details, validate memories, and offer emotional support. Resources such as Advance Care Planning Australia and Nurse Info can guide these sessions with structured prompts.

Life Review as an Advance Care Tool

Life review is not just emotionally beneficial—it’s also practically powerful. It can inform advance care planning by revealing personal values, spiritual beliefs, and quality-of-life preferences.

As people reflect on their life stories, they often articulate what matters most in future care. This supports the creation of Advance Health Directives and legacy letters, especially when documented securely on platforms like Evaheld.

Supporting Families and Carers

Engaging in a life review helps families understand their loved one more deeply, fostering empathy and healing. It’s especially helpful for the sandwich generation, who may be managing care for parents while raising children of their own.

Articles on the Evaheld blog explore how storytelling strengthens multigenerational bonds, offering reassurance and wisdom that transcend cognitive decline.

Reducing Depression Through Connection and Purpose

Feelings of helplessness or fear can worsen after a dementia diagnosis. But life review affirms that a meaningful, connected life is still unfolding.

Creating a legacy:

• Rebuilds a sense of purpose
• Provides emotional closure
• Deepens connection with loved ones
• Creates lasting contributions to family history

Sharing stories through safe online tools like Online Will Blog can also provide a broader sense of purpose and identity.

When and How to Begin

Start as early as possible after diagnosis. Individuals in early-stage dementia still have the capacity to make choices, reflect clearly, and guide the narrative.

Encourage them to begin with small, enjoyable stories—like their first job or favourite holiday—and build from there.

Many carers use memory-prompting aids or questions from platforms like Dementia Support Australia to help guide sessions.

Final Thoughts

Life review is a profoundly healing practice for individuals with early-stage dementia. It reduces depression, restores confidence, and preserves legacy. By embracing storytelling as part of care, we can ensure that each person’s voice continues to be heard, valued, and remembered.