Although we can never fully understand the lived experience of persons with dementia, we do know that the world can be a very fragmented and confusing place for them. However, carefully constructed environments and interactions that focus on their remaining skills, can help to lessen isolation, confusion and sensory deprivation.
Sensory stimulation is the activation of one or more of the senses including taste, smell, vision, hearing, and touch. It has been known for a long time that multi-sensory environments are beneficial to younger children and those with physical or learning disabilities. Recent research has, however, shown that everyone needs sensory stimulation to comprehend the world around them. Multisensory equipment can be as beneficial to the elderly as it is to the young – using the right sensory equipment in the right environment enables any age group to benefit from sensory therapy.
A recent study revealed that through the use of multi-sensory therapies and resources, 74% of people with dementia improved their motor performance, whilst 63% improved their cognitive ability, including memory, problem solving and judgment.
Sensory stimulation gives people with dementia a way to express themselves without using words. It can help them to relax and improve their mood and overall wellbeing. In addition to evoking positive emotions, sensory stimulation can also help people with dementia to communicate. By using carefully chosen objects, sensory stimulation can help seniors who are struggling to communicate and relate to the world around them to ask questions, respond to verbal clues, or remain calm in an overwhelming situation.
The following direct benefits of sensory stimulation for people with dementia have been observed:
• It promotes feelings of comfort and wellbeing.
• It relieves stress and pain.
• It increases attention to surroundings.
• It improves communication and memory.
• It elicits positive mood and behaviour changes.
• It Improves cognitive symptoms and helps to maintain daily function.
• It encourages participation in social groups.
• It provides an opportunity for reflection and trips down memory lane.
Choosing the sensory input carefully is important for optimal results. Sensory stimulation works best with familiar objects, for instance, cooking a favourite childhood meal to bring in familiar tastes and smells. Activities involved in sensory stimulation are often linked to interests the person had prior to dementia and can help build a connection to everyday life. For instance, bringing in sea sand and shells may work for a person who grew up or holidayed at the beach, while flowers, floral scents or a garden stroll may be more beneficial for someone who used to enjoy gardening. It follows that the first step in creating a stimulating sensory environment is to be in tune with the person living with dementia. Look for sensory cues and observe how the person relates to the world through their senses.
If you are wondering about ideas for good sensory cues, be sure to read our follow-up article with examples of sensory stimulating activities for people living with dementia.
