This randomized, controlled, longitudinal clinical trial investigates the effects of Snoezelen Multisensory Therapy (SMT) as an adjunct to standard therapy (ST) in older adults with dementia. Sixty participants with mild to moderate cognitive impairment and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) will be recruited from the Center for Older Adults Lucija (Slovenia). Participants will be randomized into two groups: control (ST) and experimental (ST + SMT). SMT will be administered 3 times per week for 12 weeks. Primary outcomes include changes in agitation (CMAI), depression (CSDD), anxiety (HADS), physiological indicators (heart rate, HR variability, SpO2, skin conductance, salivary cortisol), and frequency of psychiatric medication use. Subjective well-being will also be tracked before and after each session.
Age range
65 Years
Sex
ALL
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Change in agitation level as measured by Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI)
Timeframe: Baseline, Week 2, Week 4, Week 6, Week 8, Week 10, and Week 12
Change in depressive symptoms as measured by Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CSDD)
Timeframe: Baseline, Week 2, Week 4, Week 6, Week 8, Week 10, and Week 12
Change in anxiety level (HADS-Anxiety Subscale)
Timeframe: Baseline, Week 2, Week 4, Week 6, Week 8, Week 10, and Week 12
Change in heart rate
Timeframe: Immediately before and immediately after Session 1 (Baseline), and immediately before and immediately after Session 36 (Week 12)
Change in subjective well-being using a self-reported analog scale
Timeframe: Immediately before and immediately after each SMT session, three times per week for 12 weeks (36 sessions total)
Change in heart rate variability (HRV)
Timeframe: Immediately before and immediately after Session 1 (Baseline), and immediately before and immediately after Session 36 (Week 12)
Change in skin conductance
Timeframe: Immediately before and immediately after Session 1 (Baseline), and immediately before and immediately after Session 36 (Week 12)
Change in oxygen saturation (SpO₂)
Timeframe: Immediately before and immediately after Session 1 (Baseline), and immediately before and immediately after Session 36 (Week 12)
Change in salivary cortisol concentration
Timeframe: Immediately before and immediately after Session 1 (Baseline), and immediately before and immediately after Session 36 (Week 12)