Dementia and Sensory Interventions
Sensory Interventions have been found to be effective in reducing agitation
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)