The Effect of Multi Sensory Stimulation (MSS) on Cognitive Disturbances and Quality of Life of Male Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease

Objectives: Alzheimer’s disease causes many negative effects on the individual's physical, psychological and cognitive conditions. The multi sensory stimulation helps the patients to improve their physical, psychological and cognitive conditions. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of multi sensory stimulation on cognitive status and quality of life of the patients with Alzheimer’s disease which was resident in Nasimshahr elders' center. Methods: In this quasi-experimental research plan samples were divided into experimental and control groups and both of them were tested thrice: before, during and after the intervention. ۹۰ Alzheimer's disease patients were recruited by available sampling technique and with random allocation method the groups were set. Data were collected by demographic questionnaire geriatric quality of life questionnaire and mini mental status examination (MMSE).The rehabilitation program consisted of ۲۰ session education program and multi sensory stimulation program. The experimental group took part in standardized ۴۵-۶۰ minutes multi sensory stimulation sessions and they received the MMSE and quality of life questionnaires in ۱۰th and ۲۰th sessions and were asked to fill them in. the control group didn't receive any intervention. Results: The results indicates that the multi sensory stimulation in experimental group improved their quality of life in all dimensions were including physical-activity (P=۰.۰۰۱), self care (P=۰.۰۰۱), depression and anxiety levels (P=۰.۰۰۱), social function (P=۰.۰۰۱), sexual function (P=۰.۰۰۱), life satisfaction (P=۰.۰۰۱), intellectual-function (P=۰.۰۵۸) and overall (P=۰.۰۰۱). But in the cognitive status domain no improvement has been observed (P=۰.۵۹۶). Discussion: The multi sensory stimulation can be an effective method to improve the general Condition or the signs and symptoms stabilization of Alzheimer's dementia patients. The results of this study show that multi sensory stimulation improves the patients' quality of life and the patients will experience a better life after the intervention.

Keywords:

Alzheimer’s disease , Quality of life , Cognitive disorder/status , Multi sensory stimulation