International Trials Day - Sense Cog
SENSE-Cog Randomised Controlled Trial
The SENSE-Cog Programme looks at the combined impact of age-related hearing, vision, and cognitive problems. Around 80% of people with dementia have previously undiagnosed hearing or vision problems and if left undiagnosed, could impact on quality of life and other health and wellbeing issues. The SENSE-Cog Trial is a multi-site (Ireland, France, Greece, Cyprus, UK) 36-week randomised controlled trial and aims to find out whether an individualised sensory therapy can make a significant impact on the quality of life of a person living with dementia and their care partner.
The trial recruited participants with dementia aged 60 or over who had problems with their hearing and/or vision. During the trial, we assessed hearing, vision, and cognition. If participants were included and randomised to the therapy arm of the trial, this was followed up with home-visits from an audiologist or optometrist to test their hearing or eyesight and prescribe brand new hearing aids or prescription glasses. A sensory therapist also provided tailored at-home sensory intervention for up to 10 sessions to support wear and care of the new equipment. The therapists made specific recommendations to enhance quality of life, such as changes to the home-environment or signposting to relevant services.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the SENSE-Cog team have adapted the trial in a few ways, including bringing many of the home assessments and therapy sessions online. Thankfully, we managed to resume face-to-face visits, and at the end of April 2021 have successfully completed our recruitment stage. The trial is currently in follow-up period until February 2022.
