Effects of multisensory and motor stimulation on the behavior of people with dementia

Abstract

A quasi-experimental study using a pre–posttest design was conducted in four aged care facilities to assess the effects of a person-centred care (PCC) multisensory stimulation (MSS) and motor stimulation (MS) program, implemented by direct care workers, on the behaviors of residents with dementia. Data were collected at baseline and after the intervention through video recordings of morning care routines. Forty-five residents with moderate and severe dementia participated in the study. A total of 266 morning care routines were recorded. The frequency and duration of a list of behaviors were analyzed. The frequency of engagement in task decreased significantly ( p = .002) however, its duration increased ( p = .039). The duration of gaze directed at direct care workers improved significantly ( p = .014) and the frequency of closed eyes decreased ( p = .046). There was a significant decrease in the frequency of the expression of sadness. These results support the implementation of PCC–MSS and MS programs as they may stimulate residents’ behaviors.