The Use of Virtual and Immersive Technology in Creating Personalized Multisensory Spaces for People Living With Dementia (SENSE-GARDEN): Protocol for a Multisite Before-After Trial

The number of people living with dementia is rapidly increasing. As dementia affects memory, communication, and self-identity, there is a growing need for individualized approaches to support people with dementia and their caregivers. This study evaluates SENSE-GARDEN, a novel intervention that combines autobiographical music, films, images, and scents with innovative technology to create a personalized, immersive environment.

SENSE-GARDEN is an Active Assisted Living Program–funded multicenter study. Its primary objective is to determine whether a personalized, technology-based intervention can improve the well-being of older adults with moderate to severe dementia. Secondary objectives include assessing whether the intervention improves caregiver coping and reduces caregiver burden.

A controlled before-after study design will be used across three sites in Belgium, Norway, and Portugal. A total of 55 people with dementia will be recruited and randomized to intervention or control groups. During the first three months, all participants will receive the SENSE-GARDEN intervention. In the final month, the intervention group will continue, while the control group will discontinue visits. A mixed-methods approach will be applied, including standardized outcome measures, physiological data, and qualitative interviews.

Recruitment began in August 2019, with data collection expected to conclude by May 2020. Early user-centered design interviews suggest that people with mild cognitive impairment, family caregivers, and professional caregivers view SENSE-GARDEN as a valuable tool in dementia care. Feasibility testing has been completed, with results expected in October 2019.
The SENSE-GARDEN trials will provide insights into the role of technology in personalizing dementia interventions, with implications for both research and care practice.