Biodynamic Lighting and Functional Disability; a Single-Case Experimental Design in Three Community Dwelling People with Dementia

Noortje Aarden-Van Delft,Manon Peeters,Liselore Snaphaan

doi:10.3390/app11209433

Noortje Aarden-Van Delft, Manon Peeters + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/app11209433

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Abstract

Functional disability in people with dementia is associated with placement in long-term care facilities, feelings of depression and caregiver burden. As there is currently no cure for dementia, more attention is needed for personalised support for people living with dementia at home. A promising non-pharmacological innovation for reducing problems in functional activities is biodynamic lighting. This type of artificial lighting resembles a normal daylight curve, including changes in light intensity and colour during the day. The aim of this pilot study with three participants is to explore the possible influence of biodynamic lighting on functional activities over time on people with dementia living at home. The study used an A-B-A-B withdrawal single-case experimental design. In the intervention phases, the participants were exposed to biodynamic lighting, while in the placebo phases, the participants were exposed to placebo light. Both light phases came from the same light system. Based on this study protocol, the quantitative effects of biodynamic light related with functional activity did not reach significance. However, the qualitative results of lighting seem promising with a stabilisation of functional activity experienced over time. Future research should examine the effects that light may have on functional activity more in-depth. This study offers recommendations for longitudinal research.

Highlights

Functional disability is an important feature of dementia
In order to be able to live at home as long as possible while maintaining a high quality of life, it is necessary that people with dementia maintain their functional status
With a single case experimental design (SCED), we investigate the effects of biodynamic lighting (BDL) in varying circumstances and conditions

Summary

Introduction

In order to be able to live at home as long as possible while maintaining a high quality of life, it is necessary that people with dementia maintain their functional status. Functional status consists of everyday activities at home and in the community and meaningful self-care functions that people perform in ordinary, everyday life. It is associated with two major types of abilities. The basic activities of daily living (BADL) are self-maintenance skills, such as eating, bathing, toileting and dressing and are influenced by visuospatial cognitive impairments [1,2]. Instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) are more complex, higher-order tasks that are necessary for independent living, such as the ability to use a telephone, shopping and food preparation [3,4]

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