Enhancing Alzheimer's Care at Christopher House Through Sensory Stimulation Interventions

Abstract

As we age, our senses deteriorate and become less responsive. In those with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), numerous senses, including vision, hearing, smell, touch, and taste become severely impaired. Prior studies have shown that these sensory impairments may prompt various behavioral and psychological symptoms and exacerbate cognitive decline. Thus, engaging in meaningful and intentional sensory activities to stimulate these senses is instrumental. Unfortunately, these sensory activities are often underutilized at dementia nursing facilities, thus leaving residents at severe risk of sensory deprivation. As part of this project, we proposed to introduce sensory stimulation interventions to the Brookside dementia unit at Christopher House, a nursing facility in Worcester, Massachusetts. To achieve this, we conducted 3 in-depth interviews with staff at Christopher House and 17 interviews with sensory and Alzheimer’s experts worldwide to identify gaps and best practices. In addition, we performed a systematic review of 20 multisensory studies, including randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies, between 2000 and 2024 to seek evidence-based practices. Our findings underscored the significance of personalization, meaning and purpose, intentional engagement, consistency, direct attention, sensory overload, and staff training when designing and facilitating these activities. We summarized these findings in the form of a 3D pilot render of a multisensory room and a personalized sensory handbook for activities staff. In sum, our findings revealed the remarkable potential of sensory interventions to revolutionize AD care