SynthesisThe journal of prevention of Alzheimer's disease2025
Multisensory stimulation reduces neuropsychiatric symptoms and enhances cognitive function in older adults with dementia: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Synthesis in The journal of prevention of Alzheimer's disease, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 5 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
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Who cites it
5 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.
- Virtual reality-based training in patients with alzheimer's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.The journal of prevention of Alzheimer's disease · 2026Pooled it
- Effects of a Comprehensive Intervention Program of Static-Dynamic Balance Training Combined with Reminiscence Therapy on the Level of Healthy Aging Among Older Adults in a Rural Community: A Randomized Controlled Trial.Clinical interventions in aging · 2025Trial
- Effectiveness of Multisensory Stimulation on Cognitive Function in Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment: Protocol for a Systematic Review.JMIR research protocols · 2026Article
- Light-based 40 Hz sensory therapy for brain disorders: physiological basis, therapeutic mechanisms, and future prospects.Frontiers in medicine · 2026Review
- Community-based multisensory environments as preventive public health interventions for mental well-being in older adults: evidence from a large-scale study in China.Frontiers in public health · 2025Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
9 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
objectiveMultisensory stimulation defined as engaging multiple senses (visual, olfactory, auditory, gustatory, and tactile), has been demonstrated to improve older adults' general health. However, its effectiveness in mitigating neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPSs) and cognitive deficits in older adults with dementia remains unclear. This meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of multisensory stimulation in ameliorating NPSs and improving overall cognitive function in older adults with dementia.
methodsWe searched eight databases to September 2024 without restriction. Older adults with all stages of dementia aged 65 years and above were included. To estimate the pooled effect size, Hedge's g (g) values were calculated using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Q, I², and τ² statistics. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed to identify moderators. Publication bias was assessed using Begg and Mazumdar's rank correlation and Egger's linear regression tests.
resultsThis review included 16 studies (974 patients). Multisensory stimulation significantly reduced agitation (g= -0.96; 95 %CI= -1.44, -0.48), apathy (g= -1.27; 95 %CI= -2.08, -0.46), and depression (g= -0.28; 95 %CI= -0.48, -0.07). Moreover, the intervention significantly improved overall cognitive function (g= 0.30; 95 %CI= 0.09, 0.52). However, multisensory stimulation had no significant effect on anxiety (g= -0.81; 95 %CI= -1.79, 0.17). Significant heterogeneity was observed in agitation, apathy, and anxiety. Moreover, meta-regression analyses by educational level (junior high school and above) revealed significant moderators in agitation.
conclusionsMultisensory stimulation shows promise as a non-pharmacological intervention for older adults with dementia. It may effectively mitigate NPSs and improve cognitive function into clinical practice as an alternative therapeutic.
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