Multisensory stimulation for elderly with dementia: a 24-week single-blind randomized controlled pilot study.
BACKGROUND
Dementia in the elderly is a common, debilitating condition. Residents in long-term care facilities present with a number of challenging behaviors. Pharmacological management is not always helpful. Alternative approaches are needed.


METHODS
Multisensory stimulation (MSS) was developed to address sensory stimulation imbalance. In this pilot 24-week single-blinded, randomized controlled study, the authors examined the effect of MSS when given for 12 weeks in either 1 or 3 sessions per week with a control group.


RESULTS
There is a trend for better outcomes as measured by daily observation scales (DOS) or Clinical Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-I) with the increase of sessions of treatment per week. This became statistically significant at weeks 8 (DOS) and 12 (CGI). This difference continued for 12 additional weeks after treatment ended.


CONCLUSIONS
MSS may be a useful addition to the care of elderly patients with dementia. A larger double-blind randomized control study is required.
Milev
Roumen V
RV
Department of Psychiatry, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada. milevr@providencecare.ca
Kellar
Tracey
T
McLean
Marilyn
M
Mileva
Vicky
V
Luthra
Veb
V
Thompson
Shiela
S
Peever
Linda
L
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003704:Dementia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008609:Mental Status Schedule / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010775:Photic Stimulation / Q000379:methods*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D012107:Research Design; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013997:Time Factors