Sensory Activities

Sensory stimulation and touch activities can be helpful for people living with dementia, as they can provide a range of benefits, including promoting relaxation, reducing agitation, and enhancing mood. People living with dementia experience changes in their ability to process and respond to sensory information: sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. Our senses are critical for interacting with our environment. Research has shown that sensory stimulation and touch activities can help improve mood and reduce behavioural symptoms in people living with dementia.

Haigh J, Mytton C. Sensory interventions to support the wellbeing of people with dementia: A critical review. British Journal of Occupational Therapy. 2016;79(2):120-126. doi:10.1177/0308022615598996

Sánchez, A., Millán-Calenti, J. C., Lorenzo-López, L., & Maseda, A. (2013). Multisensory stimulation for people with dementia: a review of the literature. American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease & Other Dementias®, 28(1), 7-14.