« Snoezelen » ou les effets de la stimulation multisensorielle sur les troubles du comportement chez les personnes âgées démentes à un stade avancé

In this study, we studied the effects of the sensorial stimulation, especially the Snoezelen, on the psychobehavioural problems, and more precisely agitation, verbal and/or physical aggressiveness (violence) and anxiety, in elderly demented patients. During 1 month, for about three times a week, a session of sensorial stimulation was applied to four persons each one older than 80 years, before they get washed. The results show a reduction of the behavioural problems for three of the four patients. The sensorial stimulation carried out in a soothing atmosphere before the washing reduce the behavioural problems of the elderly demented patients during the washing, and this effect persists during the whole day. However, other variables are taken into account: the verbal and nonverbal behavioural, the way the wash was carried out (standing or lying), or the actual state of the elderly person.