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A Comparison of the Snoezelen Environment and a Music Relaxation Group on the Mood and Behaviour of Patients with Senile Dementia

1997; SAGE Publishing; Volume: 60; Issue: 5 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1177/030802269706000506

1477-6006

Lesley Pinkney,

Neuroscience and Music Perception

Relaxation for elderly people is one of the more complicated activities to achieve with a client group who have limited cognitive abilities, particularly those with senile dementia. The deterioration in cognitive function and orientation may lead to agitation and frustration with their perceived situation. Consequently, this makes directed relaxation a difficult activity to facilitate. Following research of Snoezelen carried out at the King's Park Community Hospital, Bournemouth, the need to test the effectiveness of Snoezelen in manipulating mood had been identified. It was further identified that comparisons should be made between more conventional relaxation groups and Snoezelen. Three moderately demented female subjects were studied during a 9-week period. Observations were made on their behaviour and affect. The results indicated that the principles of Snoezelen could be used in many settings, making it a versatile medium. However, its effectiveness was dependent on the patient's cognitive skill level.