From Page to Stage: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Dramatic Reading Workshops in Older Adults Living with Neurocognitive Disorders

Objectives: The high prevalence of neurocognitive disorders in nursing homes highlights the need for non-pharmacological interventions aimed at improving quality of life and psychosocial well-being. This study examines the effects of dramatized reading workshops (the Lulue® Method) on quality of life, well-being, loneliness, subjective memory complaints, life satisfaction, and anxiety and depression symptoms among older adults living with neurocognitive disorders. Methods: A randomized controlled trial with two parallel groups was conducted among older adults with mild-to-moderate neurocognitive disorders (MMSE < 25/30). Participants were randomly assigned to a weekly Lulue® dramatized reading program delivered over three months or a waiting-list control group. Results: Significant improvements were observed in the intervention group compared to the control group for quality of life (p =.010), well-being (p =.004), and loneliness (p =.050). No significant differences were found for depressive symptoms or subjective memory complaints. Conclusions: These findings support the potential of dramatized reading workshops to enhance psychological well-being among older adults with neurocognitive disorders. Clinical implications: Dramatized reading workshops appear to be a feasible, low-cost non-pharmacological intervention that nursing homes could integrate into routine care to support residents’ quality of life, well-being, and sense of loneliness.