Treasured Items Can Help Rekindle Memories for Those With Dementia- Including Some from Boots

UK, Thursday 15th May 2025: Boots has launched a nationwide initiative to spark conversation and rekindle memories for those affected by dementia.

The UK’s leading health and beauty retailer has created over 1,000 multi-sensory memory boxes which are being distributed to care homes and communities across the UK this Dementia Action Week (19 – 25 May 2025).

The initiative follows research by Professor Victoria Tischler and colleagues from the Universities of Surrey, West London and Nottingham that supports the connection between smell, handling familiar objects and memory,1 conducted using the Boots Memory Boxes.

In many people with dementia, handling familiar objects that combine distinctive smells and attractive designs can provide wellbeing benefits including enhanced mood, social inclusion and memory retrieval. Simple prompts like familiar smells from a person’s past can stimulate recall and bring people into the present moment.

The Boots Memory Boxes are filled with items carefully selected by the team at the Boots Archive and include familiar smells and sounds to trigger memories. For example, popular toiletries and soaps can remind them of a loved one and cough medicine or bath salts can help them remember times they looked after themselves or others. The boxes will also feature items with familiar sounds, like the click an old powder compact, or camera. Many items for the boxes have also been donated by Boots team members, partners and suppliers.

Sophie Clapp, Boots Company Archivist, said:

“With over 175 years of history, Boots is a brand that has been part of people's lives through generations. Through our memory box initiative, we can use our rich history and extensive archive to spark connections between those affected by dementia and their loved ones and carers over shared memories and experiences. It has been great to see the positive impact the Boots Memory Boxes have had through the research project with Professor Tischler and her team and to see how much the boxes have meant to the care home residents that have received them so far.”

Professor Victoria Tischler, Professor of Behavioural Science, University of Surrey, said:

“Our research showed clear connections between sensory simulation, memory and wellbeing. We built on the established connection between smell and memory to create memory boxes that userecognisable Boots products that stimulate engagement and enhance mood in those affected by dementia. It’s really great that Boots is now rolling out its memory boxes to reach more people with dementia as well as creating a resource for their carers – a group it’s so important to support. It’s such a simple initiative yet it has a powerful impact that’s backed up by research.”

One care home that was among the first to receive a Boots Memory Boxes held an interactive session with their residents.

Lucy Atkinson, Director at Church Farm Care, Nottingham, said:

“During the memory box sessions we’ve held, I’ve seen the most remarkable transformation in the people who live with us here. People living with dementia light up when they smell something familiar from their youth, sparking memories that last beyond the session. One lady was flooded with happy memories seeing items she remembered from childhood, which prompted her to animatedly share stories with the group. The sessions have not only brought a lot of joy but also help to access memories that were otherwise lost, memories that help people to remember who they are.”

Alongside the 1,000 Boots Memory Boxes that the health and beauty retailer is sending to care homes, Boots has also created a bank of free online resources with guidance for carers on how to create their own memory box at home and spark memories and conversations with loved ones.

Boots has a long-standing history of supporting those living with dementia. It has supported Alzheimer’s Society since 2017, during which time over 15,400 colleagues have become Dementia Friends. Dementia Friends are able to help make the shopping experience easier for those impacted by the early stages of dementia as well as offering them, their families and friends information advice, support and understanding when it’s needed.

Dara de Burca, Executive Director of Dementia Support and Partnerships for Alzheimer’s Society, said:

“Around one million people are living with dementia in the UK and more than a third don’t have a diagnosis. That’s why, this Dementia Action Week, we’re encouraging anyone worried about themselves or someone they love to use Alzheimer’s Society’s symptom checklist. It’s wonderful to see initiatives like the Boots Memory Boxes sparking memories and starting conversations with familiar scents and objects. Dementia can affect a person’s senses especially in the later stages but even then, sensory activities can be a powerful way to connect with someone. We’re delighted to be working with Boots through Dementia Friends to help their colleagues to better understand dementia and support people living with the condition.”

 

1 D'Andrea, Dening and Tischler (2022) Object Handling for People With Dementia: A Scoping Review and the Development of Intervention Guidance | Innovation in Aging | Oxford Academic

The boxes will include:

Packaging which has been reproduced using original artwork from the archive:

• Bottle of Tincture of Iodine

• Bottle of Syrup of Figs

• Bottle of Gripe Water

• Bath cube box

• Soltan box

• Cold Cream box

• Slick Shaving Cream box

Common items people might recognise from the home:

• Toiletry bag

• Hair brush

• Hair slides

• Hair bobbles

• Flannel/facecloth

• Hair rollers

• Bar of soap

• Lavender bag

• Lipstick

Boots has also included a selection of images from the archive collection (product labels, counters in our stores, adverts etc), a reproduction 1960s Christmas gift catalogue, reproduced photograph wallet, and a baby weighing card.

About Boots:

Boots is the UK’s leading health and beauty retailer with over 51,000 team members and over 1,800 stores, ranging from local community pharmacies to large destination health and beauty destinations. *

Boots serves its customers and patients for life as the leading provider of healthcare on the high street and the UK’s number one beauty destination. It offers an unrivalled depth and breadth of products, which incorporates its extensive own brand range and innovative portfolio of brands, including No7, the UK’s No1 skincare brand, Soap & Glory, Liz Earle Beauty and Sleek MakeUP.

Boots is part of Walgreens Boots Alliance, which is a global leader in pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing retail. More company information is available on boots-uk.com.

*Figures accurate as of 28 February 2025

About Dementia Friends

Dementia Friends is an initiative from Alzheimer’s Society which aims to transform the way people think, act and talk about dementia. Anyone can become a Dementia Friend by attending an free in-person or online information session to learn more about what it’s like to live with dementia.About Alzheimer’s Society

Alzheimer’s Society offers help and hope to people living with dementia, by providing vital support, campaigning for governments to prioritise dementia, and investing in groundbreaking research. If you’re worried about dementia, we’re here to help. Call our Dementia Support Line on 0333 150 3456, or visit alzheimers.org.uk

Dementia Action Week (19-25 May 2025)

• Around one million people are living with dementia in the UK and more than a third of them do not have a diagnosis. Thousands of people are facing the devastating realities of dementia without access to the vital care, support and treatment that a diagnosis can bring.

• Getting a diagnosis can be daunting but we believe it’s better to know. Alzheimer’s Society research showed 97% saw a benefit in getting a diagnosis.

• An early and accurate diagnosis is crucial to manage symptoms, live independently for longer, and avoid ending up in a crisis.

• If you’re worried about yourself, or someone close to you, then check your symptoms today using Alzheimer’s Society’s symptom checklist. Visit alzheimers.org.uk/checklist or call their Dementia Support Line on 0333 150 3456.

About the University of Surrey

The University of Surrey is dedicated to transforming lives and addressing global challenges with a strategic focus on sustainability, people-centred AI, space, the future of work, lifelong health and ageing well.

Through our research community we drive innovation that delivers positive impacts for communities and the economy. Our dynamic and forward-thinking teaching educates and trains consistently highly employable graduates. This vibrant learning environment has contributed to the University being ranked 11th in the UK for overall student satisfaction according to the National Student Survey 2024.

In the UK, Surrey is ranked 12th in the Complete University Guide 2025, 19th in the Guardian University Guide 2025, and 21st in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.