3rd Edition of Dementia World Conference 2026

Abstract

As the global population ages, innovative, accessible, and person-centered approaches are increasingly essential in dementia care. This project explores the use of LEGO® bricks as a therapeutic and recreational tool for seniors living with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Conducted in community centers and residential care facilities, the intervention involves guided and open-ended LEGO® sessions designed to support cognitive stimulation, hand-eye coordination, and emotional expression. LEGO for Golden Years© structured yet flexible format engages multiple cognitive domains—visual-spatial reasoning, sequencing, memory recall, and executive function—while promoting social interaction and reducing isolation. For individuals in the early to moderate stages of dementia, the activity offers opportunities for reminiscence, storytelling, and teamwork. For those in more advanced stages, the tactile and visual appeal of the bricks can provide sensory comfort and foster moments of joy and connection. A diverse group of participants, including those from varied cultural and cognitive backgrounds, demonstrated positive responses, with anecdotal evidence of increased alertness, reduced anxiety, and improved mood during and after sessions. Care staff and family members reported observable changes in engagement levels and interpersonal behavior. The program also encouraged intergenerational involvement, with family members including grandchildren and volunteers joining the sessions, deepening bonds through shared play. This presentation outlines the methodology, participant outcomes, and best practices for integrating LEGO®-based activities into dementia care programming. It highlights the potential of play as a powerful, low-cost, and adaptable tool in enhancing quality of life for people living with dementia, and emphasizes the importance of creativity and dignity in therapeutic care environments. 4get-me-not’ Role Complementing the aims of LEGO for Golden Years© as outlined in this study, 4get-me-not has played a pivotal role in translating theory into meaningful community practice. By integrating LEGO®-based activities into dementia-friendly programs, the social enterprise has advanced a creative, person-centered model of engagement that supports both cognitive and emotional well-being. During World Alzheimer’s Month, 4get-me-not was tasked to organize a series of LEGO for Golden Years© workshops at the Senior Happiness Center in Al Mamzar, Dubai, where senior Emiratis and corporate volunteers collaborated in a joyful, inclusive environment. The sessions demonstrated how structured play can bridge generational, cultural, and linguistic divides—transforming LEGO® into a medium for connection and empathy. Drawing from these successes, 4get-me-not expanded the program to initiatives such as Ajman Happy Summer, promoting intergenerational bonding between seniors and children. This initiative exemplifies 4get-me-not’s continuing commitment to evidence-based, compassionate ageing practices that enhance social participation, dignity, and quality of life for people living with dementia.