As the number of individuals living with dementia rises, there is an increased need for quality dementia care. Montessori-Based Dementia Programming (MBDP) is an approach to dementia care which recognizes that people with dementia are individuals with unique needs and abilities. Previous research suggested that Montessori activities increase positive affect and engagement of individuals with dementia. Observations of ten participants living in a memory care unit took place during three regularly programmed activities and three Montessori activities to compare the amount and type of engagement. The researcher conducted Montessori activities one-on-one or in small groups with the participants. Participants displayed higher amounts of constructive engagement and less passive, self, and non-engagement during Montessori activities compared to regularly programmed activities. Participants demonstrated more pleasure and enjoyment during Montessori activities. Improvements observed in participants’ positive engagement and affect may give promise for implementing Montessori activities in memory care units.