The nervous system receives and processes information about the world around us to help us react to situations, communicate, and keep our bodies safe and healthy. Much of this information comes through the sensory organs which the brain processes as sight, sound, smell, taste, or touch – our five senses. Sensory stimulation is the activation of one or more of these senses at the same time.
It has been long understood that multi-sensory environments, or therapies designed to utilize sensory stimulation, are beneficial to younger children and those with physical or learning disabilities. However, recent research has shown that people of all ages need sensory stimulation to help process the world around us. This stimulation is especially important for older adults, as gradual loss of senses is considered a normal part of aging. According to RUSH University Medical Center geriatricians, however, significant or drastic changes in your senses, especially if accompanied by other symptoms, might be a warning sign of disease or a condition that requires medical intervention. For those experiencing these rapid changes, sensory stimulation may be especially beneficial.
Many researchers believe dementia and loss of cognitive function are two factors that can cause rapid sensory loss, and recommend using sensory-engaging activities or devices, such as fidget toys, to stimulate the senses and improve cognitive resilience.
Sensory stimulation helps people with dementia to express themselves when the use of words is no longer an option. It helps them to communicate, respond to verbal clues and remain calm in stressful situations. Following are some more benefits of sensory stimulation for people with dementia:
Benefits of Sensory Activities for People with Dementia:
Source: Athena Healthcare Group
1. Reduce anxiety and agitation
Sensory activities can help to reduce symptoms of anxiety and agitation by providing a calming and soothing environment. For example, aromatherapy, massage, and music therapy have been shown to reduce anxiety and agitation.
2. Increase socialization
Socialization is important for people with dementia, as it can help to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness. Certain activities can provide opportunities for socialization and interaction with others. Excludes include baking and cooking, gardening, and art therapy.
3. Improve cognitive function
Sensory activities can help improve cognitive function, memory, attention, and concentration. Puzzles, memory games, and sensory books can help to improve cognitive function and provide a sense of accomplishment.
4. Promote relaxation and sleep
Many people with dementia have difficulty sleeping, which can lead to further health complications. Aromatherapy, massage, and music therapy can help to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
5. Increase overall well-being
Sensory activities can provide a sense of purpose, reduce feelings of anxiety and depression, and promote a sense of calm and relaxation. Sensory activities can also provide opportunities for creative expression and self-discovery, which can help to improve self-esteem and confidence.
How to Provide Sensory Stimulation
Games, quizzes, arts and crafts, pottery, concerts, exercise programs, cooking, sing-alongs, religious services and spiritual events are all common and accessible activities that can provide sensory stimulation. More low-key activities could include a massage, reading, folding laundry, washing dishes, decorating, or an outing to a botanical garden. For a list of sensory activity ideas tailored to people with dementia, check out the RUSH Alzheimer’s Disease Center Activity Workbook for Individuals Experiencing Memory Loss.
Think of things your loved one enjoys and how to tailor these sensory activities to them. It is important to personalize these activities to lessen the chance of overstimulation. If your loved one does not enjoy crowds, or if it is difficult to get them out of the house, there are also specially designed devices and fidget toys meant to provide sensory stimulation for older adults right at home.
Where to Find Dementia Sensory/Fidget Toys
As with choosing an activity, when selecting fidget toys for individuals with dementia, it’s important to consider your loved one’s personal preferences, the safety and durability of the size/material, and appropriateness for your loved one’s age and ability.
With these factors in mind, here are a few places you can find sensory toys, devices, and activities designed for people with dementia:
- Relish has a variety of products designed for people with dementia including sensory toys like a fidget toolkit
- Alzheimer’s Store has a range of filters, like searching for products specific to a stage of dementia.
- Amazon compiles a list of affordable sensory activities for your loved one.
Overall, sensory activities can have numerous benefits for people with dementia. They can reduce anxiety and agitation, increase socialization, improve cognitive function, promote relaxation and sleep, and increase overall well-being. They also offer convenience, as they are often portable and perfect for indefinite intervals in a doctor’s office waiting room, riding in a car, or while watching TV.
It’s important to consider the personal needs and interests of your loved one with dementia to ensure that they do not become overstimulated. But with a variety of activities and specially designed products available, there are plenty of opportunities for providing sensory stimulation that can improve a person with dementia’s well-being.
Sources: RUSH Medical Center, RUSH Alzheimer’s Disease Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda Health Group, Athena Healthcare Group
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