Multisensory Environments for Outcomes of Occupational Engagement in Dementia: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Aim

To summarize the available evidence on the effects of multisensory environments (MSE) for improving occupational engagement for people with dementia living in long-term care facilities.

Methods

Seven databases were searched. The methodological quality of each study was assessed for the risk of bias.

Results

Ten studies were included in the review. Nine studies used MSE in a dedicated space, such as Snoezelen room and one used a natural MSE. Only one study used MSE as part of a task-oriented treatment plan. The included studies showed the benefits of MSE on some outcomes of occupational engagement, such as decreased agitation, improved mood and behavior, and increased environmental and social interaction. Other outcomes of interest were cognition, quality of life, balance, and ADL engagement.

Conclusions

MSE may be used to decrease behavioral and psychological symptoms and improve mood, which may increase occupational engagement in residents of long-term care facilities who have dementia.

Keywords:

• Dementia
• multisensory environment
• occupational engagement
• long-term care
• Snoezelen

Conflict of interest

The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.

Funding

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.