Some clients with dementia experience agitation. This may include pacing or wringing hands.

An Occupational Therapist taking a Sensory Approach would observe the client with dementia and tailor specific sensory interventions to assist. This may include suggesting that the client rocks in a chair or strokes a dog on their lap. Environmental changes may also be useful such as an outdoor walking area in a large garden.

A recent review of successful interventions for dementia found that Sensory Interventions were very useful at reducing agitation and clinically significant symptoms.

Reference:

Livingston G, Kelly L, Lewis-Holmes E, Baio G, Morris S, Patel N, et al.A systematic review of the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of sensory, psychological and behavioural interventions for managing agitation in older adults with dementia. Health Technol Assess 2014;18(39)