functional ability & sensory processing mild - mod dementia
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An exploration of the possible relationship between functional ability and scores on the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile for people with mild to moderate dementia.
IRAS ID
185594
Contact name
Lesley Collier
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Southampton
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 17 days
Research summary
An exploration of the possible relationship between functional ability and scores on the Sensory Profile for people with mild to moderate dementia.
The Department of Health estimates that there are 700,000 people living with dementia in the United Kingdom with a cost to the economy of £17 billion per annum. This figure is set to double in the next 30 years with costs trebling.
Dementia affects the ability of people to carry out everyday tasks, meaning that they require help from family or carers. There is limited information about sensory processing in older people but observations from clinical practice suggest that people with sensory processing difficulties also find challenges in carrying out activities of daily living. Assisting people to function well is a core element of occupational therapy treatment. This can reduce care needs and relieve carer burden.
The goal of this study is to identify whether there is a relationship between sensory processing and functional ability in patients with mild to moderate dementia.
Patients with a diagnosis of mild to moderate dementia will be identified from the caseloads of local community mental health teams and the memory assessment service. They will be visited at home to complete a Sensory Profile questionnaire and be observed carrying out two tasks of daily living that they know how to do well; for example making tea, vacuuming etc. This will take no more than an hour. They will be offered an information sheet about the effect of sensory processing on daily activity.
Knowledge gained from the study will contribute to the evidence base regarding sensory processing and older people, inform occupational therapists practice and enable a more individualised approach to treatment which will benefit patient and carer alike.Reference
Department of Health (2009) Living well with dementia: A National Dementia Strategy. London: Department of Health.REC name
East Midlands - Derby Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/EM/0458
Date of REC Opinion
13 Oct 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion