Implementation of a multisensory stimulation program in elderly people with neurocognitive disorders.

Abstract

Introduction: It’s estimated that there are more than 50 millions of people who have any neurocognitive disorder around the world. Now, there‘s no treatment available to heal or reverse the progressive disease evolution, psychological and  behavioural symptoms. Therefore, it is of vital importance the application of an intervention that enables a mild or moderate disturbance condition and to prevent the evolution of the disease. Objective: Implementation of a multisensory stimulation program in elderly people with neurocognitive disorder for the prevention and management of behavioral disorders and reduction of the degree of distress experienced by the primary caregiver. Methodology: Quasi-experimental, longitudinal, comparative analytical and retrospective study during the period July-December 2019 which included a total of 20 people over 65 years of age with a diagnosis of neurocognitive disorder. For the evaluation were used: Global Deterioration Scale (GDS) and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), also a “Sensory Profile” format was created for each user. Physical exercise and motor activities were added to the multisensory stimulation. Results: A statistically significant difference was found between the first and the second evaluation. About the user behavioral disorders with a value of z= -3.7, (p= 0.00) and concerning caregiver distress with a value of z= -2.5, (p= 0.01). Conclusion: A positive effect on the general clinical situation experienced by the user was shown; reducing the behavioral alterations and distress of the primary caregiver; as well as facilitating the physiotherapeutic intervention.

Keywords: Multisensory stimulation, neurocognitive disorders, behavioral disturbances.