Effects of Snoezelen Multisensory Therapy on Older Adults With Dementia

This randomized, controlled, longitudinal clinical trial investigates the effects of Snoezelen Multisensory Therapy (SMT) as an adjunct to standard therapy (ST) in older adults with dementia. Sixty participants with mild to moderate cognitive impairment and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) will be recruited from the Center for Older Adults Lucija (Slovenia). Participants will be randomized into two groups: control (ST) and experimental (ST + SMT). SMT will be administered 3 times per week for 12 weeks. Primary outcomes include changes in agitation (CMAI), depression (CSDD), anxiety (HADS), physiological indicators (heart rate, HR variability, SpO2, skin conductance, salivary cortisol), and frequency of psychiatric medication use. Subjective well-being will also be tracked before and after each session.

Inclusion Criteria: Age 65 years or older Diagnosed dementia (any subtype) Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score between 10-25 Katz Performance Status Score (KPSS) between 10-24 Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), indicated by at least one of the following: Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CSDD) score \>10 Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) score \>8 Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI) showing moderate or severe symptoms Ability to follow basic instructions and communicate needs Written informed consent obtained from the participant or their legal representative Exclusion Criteria: * Acute psychiatric illness or unstable somatic condition Severe visual or hearing impairments Inability to communicate in Slovenian Concurrent participation in psychotherapy or physiotherapy Diagnosis of epilepsy Changes to psychiatric medication within 4 weeks prior to study start Any other condition that, in the opinion of the research team, would interfere with participation or data collectio