’I am teaching them and they are teaching me’: Experiences of teaching Alexander Technique to people with dementia

To enable people with dementia to live well we must support the person as a whole. The Alexander Technique (AT) offers an approach which addresses both physical and psychological issues may be suitable help dementia. In this new area of research, study aimed establish whether AT is currently taught if so bring together experiences teachers in relation perceived benefits suitability for group. This qualitative included data from responses survey questions, interview transcripts published articles. A total 84 took part international whom 18 (21%) had one or more Thematic analysis generated following superordinate themes: ‘The can dementia’, ‘How change comes about’, ‘Adapting dementia’. described perceiving improvements movement, pain flexibility; increased calm, sociability environmental awareness. They highlighted reciprocal nature relationship between teacher student highly valued this. Touch was seen key means communication, helping feel safe. It seems that does not require major adaptation work group although challenges working care setting were discussed. potential valuable intervention further research warranted.