Estimulação multissensorial no tratamento de idosos com demência

Abstract

Introduction: Dementia is caused by the brain cells progressive dysfunction and death; the affected subjects may develop functional capacity losses, cognitive impairment and neuropsychiatric symptoms. This may hinder therapeutic approaches with non-pharmacological resources. Primary senses multisensory stimulation shows promise as a complementary treatment for the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. Objective: To investigate the effects of multisensory stimulation (MSE) on the elderly with moderate to severe dementia in related to behavioral changes, mood and interaction with the sensory and institutional environment, when compared to a control group not submitted to MSE interventions. Materials and Method: This study is an interventional, controlled, non-randomized, parallel, open-label, quasi-experimental, quantitative and qualitative nature and exploratory clinical trial. Sample: 20 elderly, in average 83 years old; 17 women and 3 men; schooling average was 3 years; diagnosed with moderate or severe dementia and have been institutionalized for about 4 years in a nursing home in the city of Ribeirão Preto.