Multisensory Stimulation to Improve Functional Performance in Moderate to Severe Dementia—Interim Results

Abstract

Dementia is a growing problem worldwide and interventions to effectively manage and promote function are urgently required. Multisensory environments (MSEs) have been used extensively with people with dementia; however, no studies have been conducted to explore the efficacy of sensory stimulation on functional performance. This study explores to what extent multisensory stimulation influences functional performance in people with moderate-to-severe dementia using an MSE compared with a control activity. Thirty participants with moderate-to-severe dementia were recruited from the South of England. Following baseline assessment and design of a bespoke intervention, each participant attended their allocated intervention (3 x week, for 4 weeks). Assessments were carried out pre and postsession using the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills. Results indicate significant improvement in functional performance in both the MSE and the control activity. Findings support the use of MSEs as a strategy for enhancing functional performance in dementia.

Sensory stimulation for persons with dementia: a review of the literature

“…Collier et al . () who compared Snoezelen and indoor gardening found a significant improvement in motor and process scores in the Snoezelen group.…”

Multisensory Stimulation on Mood, Behavior, and Biomedical Parameters in People With Dementia

“…[38][39][40] Also, a more standardized approach of MSSE, wherein the presentation of the equipment and the structure and timing of the intervention were standardized according to sensory preferences and individual need of each participants, has also effective outcomes. 10,11 In this sense, nonpharmacological interventions for people with dementia have proved more effective when they are tailored to individuals' backgrounds and preferences. 27,41 …”

“…Also, it has also been observed that a more structured approach of multisensory stimulation has effective outcomes in the functional performance of people with dementia. 10,11 However, many of the scientific studies analyzed in that review 9 had several methodological shortcomings, such as a limited number of intervention sessions [12][13][14] or the lack of a control group against which to compare the results. 12,[15][16][17] There is limited evidence demonstrating that MSSE has higher effectiveness than other one-to-one activities that are frequently used in patients with dementia and that have a clear aim and focus, for example, playing cards, looking at photographs, playing games, or doing puzzles.…”

Use of multisensory stimulation interventions in the treatment of major neurocognitive disorders

“…Collier et al compared Snoezelen and indoor gardening (n = 30) and found significant improvement in motor and process scores in the Snoezelen group compared to the indoor gardening group [26]. A pilot RCT in older adults with severe dementia (n = 32) found that the MSSE group had significant improvements on the Neuropsychiatric Inventory and Bedford Alzheimer Nursing severity score compared to the activity group [27].…”