A recent groundbreaking study spearheaded by Trinity College Dublin and the Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI), spanning five European nations, stands as the most extensive randomised controlled trial that evaluates the effectiveness of a combined hearing and vision rehabilitation intervention for individuals with dementia at home. The results, pivotal in the field, were published in The Lancet’s Healthy Longevity journal on October 14, 2024.
The SENSE-Cog trial underscores the imperative need to bolster hearing and vision health support amongst those with dementia, illustrating a notable short-term enhancement in quality of life following hearing and vision interventions. This extensive study encompassed a diverse cohort from Cyprus, France, Greece, Ireland, and the UK, assessing the clinical impact of a customised Sensory Support Intervention (SSI) tailored to improve the quality of life (QoL) among people with mild-to-moderate dementia who also suffer from concurrent sensory impairments.
Significant improvements in quality of life were observed in the short term due to the intervention; however, these differences did not maintain over the longer term, indicating a need for further research in this area. The study also shed light on the high prevalence of sensory difficulties in the dementia-affected population, with up to 70% experiencing these issues. If left unattended, these issues can exacerbate cognitive decline and diminish overall well-being.
The study emerges at a crucial time as Europe gears up to introduce new amyloid-targeting treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. These findings accentuate the continuing importance of exploring non-pharmacological interventions, especially for those with advanced dementia or non-Alzheimer’s forms of the disease who may not benefit from the upcoming drug treatments.
Professor Iracema Leroi, the study’s lead investigator from the Global Brain Health Institute and School of Medicine at Trinity College Dublin, highlighted the trial’s encouraging outcomes. She pointed out that cost-effective, simple interventions such as hearing aids and glasses could significantly enhance the quality of life for people with dementia. This reinforces the argument for sustained support and further research into non-drug interventions as critical components in dementia care.
The emphasis on quality of life and living well with dementia is essential, particularly in the context of emerging disease-modifying therapies. While the global focus may be shifting towards prevention and slowing disease progression, it is vital not to overlook the needs of the 55 million individuals worldwide already living with established dementia.
Professor Brian Lawlor, the Conolly Norman Professor of Old Age Psychiatry and Site Director of the Global Brain Health Institute at Trinity College Dublin, also commented on the study. He noted the significant unmet needs related to hearing and vision in people with dementia. This was the first large-scale study that assessed whether an intervention focused on these sensory areas could enhance the quality of life for dementia patients. Even amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, this study demonstrated the feasibility of developing and implementing such interventions, with early results showing promising improvements in quality of life, further emphasising the need for continued research in this critical area.
This landmark trial represents the first fully powered randomised controlled trial explicitly targeting hearing and vision rehabilitation for people with mild to moderate dementia. It provides robust evidence supporting such interventions in improving dementia-related quality of life in the short term. However, the research team advocates for more extensive studies to fully understand the impacts on cognitive function, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and the roles of family care partners.
The findings from this study pave the way for ongoing efforts to develop and refine non-pharmacological strategies, ensuring a comprehensive approach to the care of individuals with dementia and addressing their complex needs holistically.
More information: Iracema Leroi et al, Hearing and vision rehabilitation for people with dementia in five European countries (SENSE-Cog): a randomised controlled trial, The Lancet’s Healthy Longevity. DOI: 10.1016/j.lanhl.2024.07.008
Journal information: The Lancet’s Healthy Longevity Provided by Trinity College Dublin
