Multisensory Environment-Based Occupational Therapy for Alzheimer's Patients

Hacettepe University

Status: Invitation-only

Conditions: Sensory Processing Disorder; Rehabilitation; Alzheimer s Disease; Cognitive; Occupational Therapy; Caregiver Burnout; Behavioral and Psychiatric Symptoms of Dementia

Treatments: Behavioral: Occupational therapy; Behavioral: Multisensory Environment-Based Occupational Therapy

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07279103

9337fecbc0f54b90

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study aims to examine the effects of a multisensory environment-based occupational therapy intervention on sensory processing, cognitive status, behavioral and psychological symptoms, and caregiver burden in individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Non-pharmacological approaches in Alzheimer's management have been shown to slow functional decline, reduce behavioral symptoms, and improve caregivers' well-being. Multisensory environments provide visual, auditory, tactile, proprioceptive, vestibular, olfactory, and gustatory stimuli to support sensory integration and enhance engagement, particularly in individuals with cognitive and communication difficulties. The study will be conducted using a randomized controlled design and will include individuals aged 65 years and older with moderate-stage Alzheimer's disease and their primary caregivers. The intervention will be implemented over four weeks with two sessions per week. Outcome measures will include the Adult/Adolescent Sensory Profile,Loewenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment-Geriatric version, Neuropsychiatric Inventory, and Zarit Caregiver Burden Inventory. The study is expected to contribute to the evidence base supporting sensory-based occupational therapy interventions in dementia care.

Full description

This study aims to investigate the effects of a multisensory environment-based occupational therapy intervention on sensory processing, cognitive functions, behavioral and psychological symptoms, and caregiver burden in individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease, as a progressive neurodegenerative condition, leads to gradual impairments in cognitive, emotional, and functional abilities, which in turn cause behavioral disturbances and significantly increase caregiver stress. In recent years, non-pharmacological approaches have gained attention for their role in managing dementia-related symptoms, maintaining daily functioning, and supporting caregivers' well-being.

Multisensory environments, which offer structured stimulation involving visual, auditory, tactile, proprioceptive, vestibular, olfactory, and gustatory senses, are designed to facilitate sensory integration and promote engagement through meaningful sensory experiences. These environments can reduce agitation, enhance communication, and improve mood and attention among individuals with dementia by creating a sense of comfort and familiarity.

This randomized controlled study will include individuals aged 65 years and older who have been clinically diagnosed with moderate-stage Alzheimer's disease, as well as their primary caregivers. The intervention will be implemented over a four-week period, consisting of two 45-minute sessions per week conducted in a controlled multisensory therapy room. Standard care will be provided to the control group.

Outcome measures will include the Adult/Adolescent Sensory Profile to assess sensory processing patterns, the Lowenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment for Geriatrics version for cognitive performance, the Neuropsychiatric Inventory for behavioral and psychological symptoms, and the Zarit Caregiver Burden Inventory for caregiver stress. Pre- and post-intervention assessments will be conducted to determine changes in the target variables.

It is anticipated that the multisensory environment-based occupational therapy intervention will positively affect sensory processing and cognitive functions, reduce behavioral and psychological symptoms, and alleviate caregiver burden. The findings of this study are expected to provide strong empirical support for the integration of sensory-based occupational therapy interventions into dementia care programs, contributing to both clinical practice and the growing body of evidence on non-pharmacological rehabilitation approaches for Alzheimer's disease.

Enrollment: 24 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 65+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Inclusion Criteria

Age 65 years or older

Clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer-type dementia according to DSM-5 criteria

Moderate stage dementia:

Global Deterioration Scale Stage 5

Mini-Mental State Examination score between 10 and 18

Living at home with a primary caregiver

Presence of a primary caregiver who can accompany the participant during therapy sessions

Basic literacy level (ability to read and write at a minimal functional level)

Application to or referral from the Occupational Therapy Departments of Çankırı Karatekin University or Hacettepe University

Exclusion Criteria

Presence of additional chronic, neurological, or sensory problems that impair communication

e.g., uncorrected visual impairment

e.g., uncorrected hearing impairment

Prior receipt of any non-pharmacological therapy specifically targeting dementia

Any medical or psychiatric condition that may interfere with participation or assessments

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

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24 participants in 2 patient groups

Multisensory Environment-Based Occupational Therapy

Experimental group

Description:

Participants in this arm will receive an exploratory, multisensory environment-based occupational therapy program.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Multisensory Environment-Based Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy

Experimental group

Description:

Participants in this arm will receive a structured, directive occupational therapy program focusing on cognitive stimulation and daily living activities

Treatment:

Behavioral: Occupational therapy