Abstract
Snoezelen and reminiscence are interventions commonly used by occupational therapists in dementia care. Snoezelen is reported to have a positive effect on patients' mood and their behaviour, in particular on agitated behaviour. A study was designed to assess the effects of Snoezelen on agitated behaviour in dementia. Reminiscence therapy was selected as a suitable comparison intervention, which would enable the benefits of Snoezelen other than those attributable to receiving one-to-one attention from staff to be evaluated. There was found to be considerable variation in the direction and magnitude of change in individual participants' agitated behaviour and heart rate during and after the sessions. This article considers the possible explanations for these individual differences and the practical implications of this research.
Highlights
Snoezelen is an intervention that is commonly available for people who have dementia
Observed agitated behaviour As the frequency of agitated behaviour was observed at four different time points summary variables were calculated of the change in mean Agitation Behaviour Mapping Instrument (ABMI) score between the time points
For the purpose of this paper we will concentrate on the change in ABMI from before to immediately after the session
Summary
Snoezelen is an intervention that is commonly available for people who have dementia. There are many similarities between learning disabilities and dementia when it comes to the challenge of finding appropriate stimulating activities for patients to participate in. In both fields the patients are likely to suffer from multiple sensory and physical impairments, as well as impaired cognitive functioning, and often have limited opportunities for individual choice and control. This parallel was noted in the 1980s, and the potential value of Snoezelen for people with dementia was identified, and evaluation of benefits for this group are beginning to be explored. Through careful and selective use of the sensory equipment the Snoezelen environment provides simple and uncomplicated stimulation to patients who may experience their everyday environment as being under-stimulating or beyond their comprehension (e.g. Paire and Karney, 1984)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
