



Dr. Kasper Bormans - Scientist in Wonder
Dr. Kasper Bormans (°1987) is a pioneer in the field of communication and quality of life in dementia care. In 2020, he obtained his PhD from KU Leuven under the guidance of the renowned psychiatrist Dirk De Wachter. He consciously applies his knowledge and science to serve society, focusing on improving communication between people with dementia and their environment.
Major Works and Innovations:
- Books: Kasper is the author of successful books such as What Alz?, which delves into the essence of communication, the power of dreams, and the wonder of relationships; Making Time for People with Dementia (2020), a practical guide with 52 ways to continue communicating with people with dementia; and Swinging to the Rhythm of People with Dementia, which explores the Resonance Method to better communicate with people with dementia.
- Game of Imagination: A surprising game that strengthens the bond between people with dementia and their loved ones. The game is particularly effective in connecting generations.
- MemoryHome: An innovative mobile application based on the memory palace technique, developed during his research as a tool for people with dementia.
- The World of Memory: An original project at Museum M in Leuven that centers on the wonder and memories of people with dementia.
Research and Presentations
Kasper has traveled the world for his research, visiting memory labs in Canada and presenting his findings at leading Alzheimer’s conferences in cities such as Berlin, Budapest, Copenhagen, Chicago, Vienna, London, San Diego, Dublin, and Philadelphia. He is a valued keynote speaker and conducts lectures and workshops on diverse topics such as imagination, dementia, memory palaces, mobile applications, and gentle compliance techniques in various sectors, including healthcare, education, and business.
Post-Doctoral Research and Recognition
As a post-doctoral researcher at Maastricht University, Kasper started an intergenerational study in 2021 to improve the quality of life for both children and vulnerable elderly. His focus is on the role of connection, imagination, and wonder in communication with people with dementia. His work received significant recognition, including a visit from His Majesty the King of the Belgians to his exhibition What Alz – From Oh to Awe! on November 22, 2023. For his exceptional contributions to research on communication and dementia, Kasper was named Baron in 2024.
Practical Applications
Despite the fact that 97% of all psychosocial interventions are never implemented, Kasper belongs to the exceptional 3% who successfully bring their methods into practice. In collaboration with major healthcare organizations in Flanders and the Netherlands, he has made new conversation techniques and memory palaces accessible to the general public.
Short Bio
Dr. Kasper Bormans (°1987) obtained his PhD from KU Leuven under psychiatrist Dirk De Wachter and is affiliated with Maastricht University. He is the author of influential books such as What Alz?, Making Time for People with Dementia, and Swinging to the Rhythm of People with Dementia, and developed innovative tools like the app MemoryHome. Kasper is a sought-after speaker at both national and international conferences. In 2024, he was awarded the noble title of Baron by the King of the Belgians for his work.
Latest Work
In his most recent book, Swinging to the Rhythm of Dementia – Better Communication with the Resonance Method, Kasper introduces surprising insights and techniques, continuing to play a leading role in the care for people with dementia.
Research
- Intergenerational Research (Maastricht University): Leveraging the Positive Traits of Children to Alleviate the Burden of Dementia on Society (Ongoing Research)
- PhD in Social Sciences (KU Leuven): Communication Strategies to Enhance Quality of Life in Alzheimer’s Disease / Memory Palaces to Improve the Quality of Life for People with Alzheimer’s and Their Environment (Successfully Completed)
- Master’s Thesis in Management (KU Leuven): The Relationship Between Love for People and Brands (Distinction)
- Master’s Thesis in Communication Sciences (KU Leuven): Unconscious Influence through NLP in Advertising (Highest Distinction)
- Bachelor’s Thesis in Philosophy/Psychology (KU Leuven): Why We Enjoy the Pain of Others
download the scientific research here
Publications
- 'What Alz?' About the core of communication, the power of dreams and the wonder of relationships (Van Halewyck publishers, 2014)
- 'The Game of Imagination' Activate your fantasy (Davidsfonds, 2016)
- 'A new memory palace' Give memories a place with people with Alzheimer's and dementia (Lannoo, 2017).
- 'Making Time for People with Dementia' 52 Ways to Continue Communicating (Lannoo, 2020)
- 'Swinging to the Rhythm of People with Dementia' Better Communication with the Resonance Method (Lannoo, 2024)
Statement
DEMENTIA IS MORE THAN MEMORYLOSS
When was the last time that you heard or read anything positive about dementia? As soon as we are confronted with the disorder, the negative associations paralyze us in loneliness. Here, however, there are three efficient ways to bring in hope. Turn the triangle around.

1. Disabled vs agency: depart from capacities
Disabled. The one-sided focus on dementia as 'memory loss' in films, books, research, news reports, and thus in people's minds, immediately leads us into a scenario of powerlessness. We immobilize in solitude. Because there is currently no medication or cognitive training program to reverse this decline in our brain. We reduce a person to his memory and the impact of the diagnosis to the patient. However, a person is more than his memory and the disease affects many around him.
Agency. Dementia is broader than memory loss, there is also 'communication loss'. Dementia is not only difficult for the person, but also for the family members and caregivers. They are the 'shadow victims of the disorder'. They are at an increased risk of developing a depression themselves. Considering dementia as a communication problem, allows them more room for manoeuvre. Continue to appeal to capacities that remain unaffected for a longer time in the course of the disease.
- You can not ‘not communicate’. Discover the usefulness of successful advertising techniques. By paraphrasing, mirroring body language, the illusion of choice, the power of silence and other instruments you can continue to engage in the challenging dialogue.
- We can never lose our fantasy. Do not play a memory game (they will lose anyway) but an imagination game so the winnings are in the meeting itself. Experience how much more important it is that we tell than what we tell.
2. The past vs goals: bring in the future
The past. In our interaction with people with dementia, we primarily focus on memories and the past tense. We mainly ask questions about the past to reactivate sleeping feelings in the here and now (reminiscence). We therefore regard them as hourglasses that have run through. Because of this one-sided emphasis on the past, we threaten to bereave them of their perspective on the future (future-loss). And there lies a great gain in quality of life for us to pick up.
Goals. When was the last time you asked an Alzheimer patient what his dreams are? That was the starting point of my doctoral research that resulted in the publication 'Wat Alz?'. Make the near future visible and negotiable, because this will re-install a purpose in life and a reason to get up in the morning. Having something to look forward to is crucial to get moving.
- Some care farms place the mailbox 20 meters outdoors. A subtle incentive to move.
- Enjoying old music is more than just nostalgia. Music is the grammar of hope. The recurring refrain and the predictability of rhyming sentences shift the gaze to the future. To know what’s coming, can be reassuring.
- Taking care of a plant, a garden or a pet brings a purpose into one’s life and activates you.
3. Dead end vs pathways: show there are different approaches
Dead end. Most scientists study Alzheimer’s disease through a microscope in search of the ‘golden medical solution’. To date, these clinical trials have only yielded very little. As the recent withdrawal of pharmaceutical giant Pfizer in Alzheimer studies suggests, that wonder pill is not yet for tomorrow. Funding channels of Alzheimer’s research explicitly favour clinical, diagnostic and basic studies. What about the human and communicational level? On top of that, they give priority to already established researchers. That is understandable but at the same time restrictive. How can innovation arise? What about young researchers, from other research domains, with good ideas?
Pathways. If you want something to change, do not do the same. We will have to dare to look at dementia in other ways. Think out-of-the-microscope. Let us not only focus on the reduced connection between brain cells, but also on the lost connection between people. The MemoryHome application developed in our research shows inspiring ways.
- Experts from scientific advisory boards are often neurologists, biomedics or pharmacists. Broaden it up and include communication scientists. Dementia is also a communication problem.
- In addition to the budgets for established researchers, provide an extra impetus for young researchers from different domains, with fresh ideas.