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Multisensory Environment-Based Occupational Therapy for Alzheimer's Patients
Sponsor: Hacettepe University
Summary
This study aims to examine 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. Non-pharmacological approaches to Alzheimer's disease 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 among 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 eight weeks, with two sessions per week. Outcome measures will include the Adult Sensory Processing Scale, Mini-Mental State Examination, Loewenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment-Geriatric, Neuropsychiatric Inventory, and Caregiver Burden Inventory. The study is expected to contribute to the evidence base supporting sensory-based occupational therapy interventions in dementia care.
Official title: The Effect of Multisensory Environment-Based Occupational Therapy Intervention on Sensory Processing, Cognitive, Behavioral Symptoms and Caregiver Burden in Alzheimer's Patients: A Randomized Controlled Study
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
65 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
24
Start Date
2025-05-10
Completion Date
2026-06-30
Last Updated
2026-08-10
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Multisensory Environment-Based Occupational Therapy
Participants in the intervention group will receive a multisensory environment-based intervention in addition to standard occupational therapy. The intervention will be implemented over eight weeks, twice per week, for a total of 16 sessions. Before the intervention, each participant's sensory preferences, personal history, and cognitive status will be assessed to individualize the session content. Each session will follow a three-part structure consisting of preparation, main activity, and closing. During the main activity, the therapist will accompany the participant, facilitate engagement, and provide graded sensory options. The intervention will incorporate visual, auditory, tactile, proprioceptive, vestibular, olfactory, and taste stimuli. Examples include colored lighting, projected images, music, vibration tools, textured materials, movement-based activities, familiar scents
Occupational therapy
The control group will not participate in any multisensory environment-based interventions. Instead, they will receive a directive occupational therapy program focused on cognitive stimulation and promoting independence in daily living activities. The intervention will last 8 weeks, with two sessions per week, totaling 16 sessions. These sessions will not include purposeful multisensory experiences and will follow a structured, cognitively oriented approach tailored to the participant's abilities.
Locations (1)
Hacettepe Universitesi
Altındağ, Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye)