A randomised controlled trial of the effects of multi-sensory stimulation (MSS) for people with dementia
A randomised 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 generalization of effects to day hospital and home environments and the endurance of any effects over time.
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 were 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 and behaviour and mood at home and endurance of effects once sessions had ceased.
Results. Immediately after MSS and Activity sessions patients talked more spontaneously, related better to others, did more from their own initiative, were less bored/inactive, and were more happy, active or alert. Both groups were more attentive to their environment than before, with a significantly greater improvement from the MSS group. At the day hospital, patients in the Activity group improved on their 'speech skills' (amount of speech; initiation of speech), whereas the MSS group remained unchanged during the trial. The MSS group showed a significant improvement in mood and behaviour at home compared to the Activity group whose behaviour deteriorated. No longer-term benefits were shown; indeed, behaviour declined sharply during the month follow-up period.
Conclusions. Both MSS and Activity sessions appear to be effective and appropriate therapies for people with dementia.
81-96
Baker, R.
35128cdb-6a97-4963-9fcc-cf12c71c8d35
Bell, S.L.
91de0801-d2b7-44ba-8e8e-523e672aed8a
Et, Al
2c5e03a5-214d-4086-a5de-058e9c2156ee
2001
Baker, R.
35128cdb-6a97-4963-9fcc-cf12c71c8d35
Bell, S.L.
91de0801-d2b7-44ba-8e8e-523e672aed8a
Et, Al
2c5e03a5-214d-4086-a5de-058e9c2156ee
Baker, R., Bell, S.L. and Et, Al
(2001)
A randomised controlled trial of the effects of multi-sensory stimulation (MSS) for people with dementia.
British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 40 (1), .
Abstract
Objectives. To investigate short-term effects of Multi-Sensory Stimulation (MSS) on behaviour, mood and cognition of older adults with dementia, the generalization of effects to day hospital and home environments and the endurance of any effects over time.
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 were 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 and behaviour and mood at home and endurance of effects once sessions had ceased.
Results. Immediately after MSS and Activity sessions patients talked more spontaneously, related better to others, did more from their own initiative, were less bored/inactive, and were more happy, active or alert. Both groups were more attentive to their environment than before, with a significantly greater improvement from the MSS group. At the day hospital, patients in the Activity group improved on their 'speech skills' (amount of speech; initiation of speech), whereas the MSS group remained unchanged during the trial. The MSS group showed a significant improvement in mood and behaviour at home compared to the Activity group whose behaviour deteriorated. No longer-term benefits were shown; indeed, behaviour declined sharply during the month follow-up period.
Conclusions. Both MSS and Activity sessions appear to be effective and appropriate therapies for people with dementia.
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Published date: 2001
Organisations:
Human Sciences Group
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Local EPrints ID: 10531
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/10531
ISSN: 0144-6657
PURE UUID: 738e98f4-237b-4f1b-ab58-775e4442a2a3
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Date deposited: 22 Aug 2005
Last modified: 07 Jan 2022 21:59
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Author:
R. Baker
Author:
Al Et
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