SENSORY loss in people with dementia living in long term care is widespread yet frequently underdetected, and new pilot data from the SENSE Cog trial highlight the feasibility of a structured sensory intervention to address this gap.
Hearing and vision loss are common among people with dementia in long term care settings, with up to 90% experiencing hearing loss and more than 40% affected by vision loss. Despite this high prevalence, detection and management are often inadequate. Staff training may be limited, care environments can be sensory unfriendly, and trial evidence to guide practice remains scarce. The SENSE Cog Residential Care pilot trial was designed to evaluate the feasibility of a structured sensory intervention and inform a future definitive study.
SENSE Cog Trial in Dementia Care
This cluster randomised feasibility study was conducted across nine long term care facilities in Ireland. Facilities were randomised to either care as usual or an intervention consisting of personalised sensory support, staff training, environmental audit, and mapping of sensory care provision. Feasibility outcomes included recruitment, retention, uptake, safety, and data collection. Potential efficacy outcomes encompassed quality of life, cognition, frailty, comorbidity, behavioural symptoms, and sensory health.
Of 10 invited facilities, nine participated. A total of 27 people with dementia were recruited within 2 months, and 26 remained in the study at 3 months, demonstrating strong retention.
Sensory Intervention Implementation and Uptake
Twelve residents underwent sensory assessments. These assessments resulted in the provision of 12 pairs of glasses, four hearing aids, and six listening devices. Training was delivered to 42 staff members, including designated sensory champions, and was rated as highly acceptable.
At follow up, 67% of residents wore glasses, 75% used hearing aids, and 17% used listening devices. These data indicate encouraging uptake of sensory supports within the intervention facilities.
Implications For Long Term Care Practice
The SENSE Cog pilot trial demonstrates that a structured sensory intervention in long term care is feasible with regard to recruitment, retention, and delivery. Importantly, staff engagement and resident uptake of sensory devices were high.
Given the high burden of hearing and vision loss among people with dementia, these findings support progression to a larger definitive trial. Strengthening sensory assessment and management in long term care may improve quality of life and dementia related outcomes in this vulnerable population.
Reference
Leroi I et al. SENSE-Cog Residential Care: piloting hearing and vision support for dementia in long-term care. NPJ Dementia. 2026;12:2.
Featured image: Ocskay Bence on Adobe Stock
