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Using sensory equipment for Dementia sufferers is one of the most effective ways to provide meaningful support and encourage both mental and physical activity. This is crucial considering individuals with Dementia suffer from a deterioration of cognitive function. Such deterioration can affect memory, thinking, problem solving, behavior, and language skills, and it tends to happen gradually over time.

Of course, this can be hugely impactful for Dementia sufferers as they can start to struggle emotionally, cognitively, and socially. It also has a significant impact on their family members, carers, and friends who will want to support the individual and help them maintain an enjoyable quality of life.

Who Can Suffer From Dementia?

Dementia is a syndrome which typically affects older individuals aged 65 or above. In the US, the population is ageing, and therefore the prevalence of Dementia is likely to increase. According to the Alzheimer’s Assocation, 5.8 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's Dementia, of which approximately 5.6 million are aged 65 or older.

Stages of Dementia

The presentation of Dementia differs from person to person - it is down to which area of the brain is damaged and what disease causes the Dementia. The types and intensity of symptoms will vary between sufferers and the pace of which Dementia progresses can be different, too. Nevertheless, there are three general stages of dementia to be aware of:

  1. Early Stage: The individual is independent, however begins to experience regular forgetfulness, such as losing track of time, struggling to remember names of new acquaintances, misplacing valuable objects, and struggling with organization.
  2. Middle Stage: During the second stage, symptoms become clearer. Examples include getting confused about their whereabouts, struggling to remember personal information and personal history, withdrawing from social situations, feeling moody or irritable, displaying changes in behavior, and wandering or getting lost. This is typically the longest stage of Dementia, and sufferers will require some form of care or assistance.
  3. Late Stage: At this stage, symptoms are very clear and severe. Individuals require near-total support, even with personal care. Symptoms include being unaware of time and place, having difficulty recognizing family and friends, struggling with walking, and struggling to communicate. Our blog post offers supportive advice for connecting with a loved one or patient who's in the later stages of Dementia.

Sensory equipment for Dementia sufferers can have profound benefits at every stage, just get in touch and we can support you with choosing the right sensory items for Dementia patients.

Causes of Dementia

The most common cause of Dementia is Alzheimer's disease, however other causes include:

  • Vascular Dementia
  • Mixed Dementia
  • Dementia with Lewy bodies
  • Frontotemporal Dementia
Symptoms of Dementia
  • Memory loss, particularly difficulty remembering recent events
  • Loss of interest in socializing
  • Difficulty concentrating, planning or organizing
  • Mood changes, such as becoming more frustrated or irritable
  • Heightened anxiety
  • Difficulty following conversations or finding the right words to use
  • Leaving objects in unusual places
  • Feeling confused in familiar environments

Although there is no cure for Dementia, sensory equipment for Dementia suffers can help to soothe and improve some of these symptoms, especially anxiety, irritability, and overall psychological wellbeing.

Sensory Items for Dementia Patients

Our multisensory rooms at Experia transcend any age barriers and offer a host of benefits for Dementia patients. When regularly visiting our rooms and using our sensory items for Dementia patients, seniors have shown profound changes in mood, cognition, and overall wellbeing.

Dementia can be a difficult diagnosis to handle or understand and can show itself with anger, moodiness, or forgetfulness. Yet, once exposed to our calming lights, sounds, and aromas, an individual with Dementia can relax and engage and, once again, have control over their environment and even themselves.

For example, aromatherapy is an amazing sensory activity for Dementia patients to experience, with benefits including improved memory recall, sleep, and mood. Bubble tubes are also brilliant at calming Dementia sufferers who may feel anxious, agitated, or irritable.

Setting up a sensory room in your assisted living, retirement facility, or nursing home will not only upgrade your facility, but may improve the quality of life for your residents. For more ideas of sensory indoor activities for Dementia patients that can be practiced in care settings or at home, have a look through our dedicated post.

Here are some of our favorite Experia sensory items for Dementia patients:

If you need assistance with choosing the right sensory equipment for Dementia sufferers and designing a sensory space that encourages mood balance, speech, and awareness, just reach out to us. Our expert sensory advisors are always happy to help with creating the perfect sensory environment to support Dementia sufferers, wherever that may be.

Call us toll free at 1-800-882-4045 or Email us

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