A randomized controlled trial of the effects of multi-sensory stimulation (MSS) for people with dementia

Objectives. To investigate short-term effects of Multi-Sensory Stimulation (MSS) on behaviour, mood and cognition of older adults with dementia, the g eneralization of effects to day hospital and home environments and the endu rance of any effects over rime. Design. A randomized controlled trial comparing MSS with a credible control of one-to-one activities. Methods. Fifty patients with diagnoses of moderate to severe dementia were randomized to either MSS or Activity groups. Patients participated in eight 30-minute sessions over a 4-week period. Ratings of behaviour and mood wer e taken before, during and after sessions to investigate immediate effects. Pre, mid, post-trial, and follow-up assessments were taken to investigate any generalization of effects on cognition, behaviour at the day hospital a nd behaviour and mood at home and endurance of effects once sessions had ce ased. Results. Immediately after MSS and Activity sessions patients talked more s pontaneously, related better to others, did more from their own initiative, were less bored/inactive, and were more happy, active or alert. Both group s were more attentive to their environment than before, with a significantl y greater improvement from the MSS group. Ar the day hospital, patients in the Activity group improved on their 'speech skills' (amount of speech; ini tiation of speech), whereas the MSS group remained unchanged during the tri al. The MSS group showed a significant improvement in mood and behaviour at home compared to the Activity group whose behaviour deteriorated. No longe r-term benefits were shown; indeed, behaviour declined sharply during the m onth follow-up period. Conclusions. Both MSS and Activity sessions appear to be effective and appr opriate therapies for people with dementia.