Randomized Controlled Trial on the Effects of Snoezelen Multisensory Therapy on Behavioral, Psychological, and Physiological Symptoms in Older Adults With Dementia
Randomized Controlled Trial on the Effects of Snoezelen Multisensory Therapy on Behavioral, Psychological, and Physiological Symptoms in Older Adults With Dementia
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-three 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.
Dementia is a growing public health concern, with high rates of behavioral and psychological symptoms (BPSD), such as depression, agitation, and anxiety. Non-pharmacological therapies like Snoezelen Multisensory Therapy (SMT) are increasingly explored as safe and effective alternatives or complements to standard therapy (ST).
This randomized controlled clinical trial will evaluate the acute and chronic effects of SMT in 63 patients with dementia at the Center for Older Adults Lucija, Slovenia. Participants will be stratified by medication use and cognitive status and randomly assigned to either an experimental group receiving SMT + ST, or a control group receiving ST alone. SMT consists of 30-minute sessions in a multisensory room equipped according to Snoezelen® guidelines. Sessions will be personalized and monitored, including physiological measurements before and after therapy.
Primary outcomes will include changes in BPSD measured by the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CSDD), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI). Physiological indicators such as heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV), oxygen saturation (SpO2), skin conductance, and salivary cortisol will be collected before and after the 1st and 36th sessions. Medication use (PRN) will be tracked every two weeks.
The study includes translation and validation of BPSD assessment tools into Slovenian. Results are expected to contribute valuable data to the field of dementia care and support broader implementation of SMT in geriatric settings. This study was registered retrospectively on ClinicalTrials.gov after study completion.
Inclusion Criteria:
Age 65 years or older
Diagnosed dementia (any subtype)
Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score between 10-25
Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) between 10-24
Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), indicated by at least one of the following:
Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CSDD) score >10
Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) score >8
Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI) showing moderate or severe symptoms
Ability to follow basic instructions and communicate needs
Written informed consent obtained from the participant or their legal representative
Exclusion Criteria:
Severe visual or hearing impairments
Inability to communicate in Slovenian
Concurrent participation in psychotherapy or physiotherapy
Diagnosis of epilepsy
Changes to psychiatric medication within 4 weeks prior to study start
Any other condition that, in the opinion of the research team, would interfere with participation or data collectio