The Benefits of Sensory Objects for Dementia Patients

Sensory objects have proven to effectively bridge the gap between family members and caregivers and seniors living with dementia, as well as provide other benefits.

The idea behind sensory stimulation is that objects can trigger memories and emotions in people with dementia. Stimulating taste, smell, vision, hearing, and touch can help people with dementia recall positive thoughts and emotions, and encourage them to communicate and engage with other people.

How Do Sensory Objects and Stimulation Work?

As dementia progresses, people lose their ability to connect with the world around them. To counter this, objects such as family photos can produce positive memories that bring comfort and ease to people with dementia. Additionally, sensory stimulation with familiar foods, sounds, sights and smells that were linked to hobbies and experiences in the person’s past can help.

If, for example, the senior spent much time around the ocean, photos of beach scenes, sounds of people enjoying the surf, a bowl filled with sand and shells, listening to recorded sounds of a beach, the scent of suntan lotion, or the taste of a seafood dish can conjure up pleasant memories.

Sensory Stimulation Ideas

You can use everyday objects to serve as visual or auditory cues to memories. Then observe how your loved one responds to the various sights, sounds and smells.

Sensory stimulation activities for people with dementia can include:

• Bringing in objects the senior doesn’t normally have around
• Giving a gentle hand massage
• Reading to the senior
• Taking a short walk outdoors (to provide a change of scenery)
• Bringing pets to visits
• Cooking the senior’s favorite meal
• Using aromatherapy.
• Trying an arts and crafts project
• Playing music (keep in mind your senior may have hearing loss)
• Folding laundry
• Washing dishes
• Decorating the home with flowers
• An outing to a botanical garden
• Filling small jars with fresh herbs
• Playing games such as “Guess the Smell.” (Fill small, airtight containers with cinnamon, nutmeg, thyme, basil, and others.)
• Creating a box filled with personalized items precious to the individual – knick-knacks, holiday photos, an old driver’s license, favorite perfume, awards, religious mementos, and anything else dear to the person.

Most of us encounter a flood of sensory stimulation each day—going to the store, doing housework, talking with friends, walking the dog, folding laundry, etc. Our brains and nervous systems are constantly responding to multiple stimuli. People living with dementia, however, may be dealing with fear, isolation and confusion, which can thereby inhibit their sensory stimulation. When using sensory stimulation, talk with them about what they are thinking, remembering or feeling. And keep in mind that people with dementia often experience changes in their emotional responses, and have less control over their feelings and how they express themselves

Benefits of Sensory Stimulation

Sensory stimulation may provide the following to people with dementia:

• Relaxation and mood improvement
• Increases self-esteem and wellbeing
• Positive feelings and improved mood
• Increased levels of concentration and ability to focus
• Improvement in cognitive symptoms
• Increased concentration and alertness
• More interactions with friends and family

Are you caring for a senior with Alzheimer’s or some other form of dementia? Check out Bethesda’s blog for more resources.