THE IMPACT OF SENSORY STIMULATION ON COGNITIVE ACTIVITY IN ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and one of the most pressing medical and social challenges in modern society. As of 2023, more than 55 million cases of dementia have been registered worldwide, with 60–70% attributed to Alzheimer’s disease. The progressive decline in cognitive functions significantly reduces patients’ quality of life and creates additional pressure on healthcare systems. In this context, the implementation of non-pharmacological approaches to support cognitive activity is highly relevant. One such approach is sensory stimulation, which involves targeted influence on the visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory, and gustatory systems to activate residual neuroplasticity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of sensory stimulation as an adjunctive component of physical therapy in patients with AD. Based on a case study of a 76-year-old patient with a clinically confirmed diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease at the moderate dementia stage (MMSE = 18), an eight-week home-based sensory stimulation program was implemented. The physical therapy plan, adapted to the patient’s individual needs, combined sensory stimulation with functional exercises, breathing techniques, and activities of daily living training. Sessions were conducted three times per week and included structured blocks of orientation, sensory activity, and relaxation. To assess cognitive changes, the following standardized scales were used: MMSE, MoCA, CDT, and CDR. After completing the course, the patient demonstrated an improvement in MMSE from 18 to 20 points, MoCA from 14 to 17 points, CDT from 2 to 3 points, and a reduction in the Clinical Dementia Rating from 2.0 to 1.5. The results indicate a moderate but clinically meaningful improvement in orientation, attention, visuospatial skills, and socio-emotional engagement. The findings confirm the feasibility of using sensory stimulation as part of a comprehensive care strategy for individuals with AD and highlight the need for further research aimed at protocol standardization and intervention scalability.