Sensory stimulation in the treatment of neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia
The prevalence of dementia in Ireland is predicted to more than double over the next 25 years. As this population grows, cost-effective interventions must be implemented. While pharmacological therapies are effective in slowing disease progression, especially in the case of Alzheimer’s disease, they are not as effective in treating neuropsychiatric symptoms. Neuropsychiatric symptoms increase healthcare costs, caregiver burden and patient comorbidities. This article explores the use of stimulation-oriented therapies to prevent and alleviate these neuropsychiatric symptoms. Interventions such as Sonas Activating Potential for Communication, cognitive stimulation therapy, aromatherapy and music therapy are promising; however, sound evidence is lacking and stronger studies must be conducted before evidence-based recommendations can be provided.
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The original article is available at http://www.rcsismj.com/ Part of the RCSIsmj collection 2012-3 https://doi.org/10.25419/rcsi.c.6767511.v2Published Citation
Rajiyah T. Sensory stimulation in the treatment of neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia. RCSIsmj. 2013;6(1):89-92Publication Date
2013Department/Unit
- Undergraduate Research
Publisher
RCSI University of Medicine and Health SciencesVersion
- Published Version (Version of Record)