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Comparative Study
. 2025 Feb 2;55(1):103-111.
doi: 10.55730/1300-0144.5948. eCollection 2025.

A comparison study of sensory processing in older adults with and without dementia

Medine Nur Özata Değerli  1 , Didem Karaduman  2 , Burcu Balam Doğu  2 , Onur Altuntaş  1
Affiliations
Comparative Study

A comparison study of sensory processing in older adults with and without dementia

Medine Nur Özata Değerli et al. Turk J Med Sci. .

Abstract

Background/aim: Sensory processing is affected by aging, and dementia may lead to changes in sensory processing. This study aimed to examine the differences in sensory processing and sensory modulation between older adults with and without dementia.

Materials and methods: This study was designed as a comparative study of community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years and older with and without dementia. Participants and their caregivers were recruited at the occupational therapy clinic of a public hospital. They completed a sociodemographic information form and the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile to assess sensory processing and sensory modulation.

Results: The study included 120 older adults (60 with dementia and 60 without dementia) aged 75.35 ± 7.86 years. Older adults with dementia showed an above-norm low registration (x 2 = 27.62) and sensory sensitive (x 2 = 14.96) compared to without dementia. However, no significant differences were observed between the groups in sensation seeking and sensation avoiding (p > 0.05). There was a difference between the two groups in taste/smell, movement, visual, touch, and auditory modulation (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: These findings highlight significant differences in sensory processing and modulation associated with dementia. Understanding these differences may offer valuable insights for developing individualized approaches to dementia management.

Keywords: Dementia; older adults; sensory processing.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest: There is no conflict of interest between the authors.

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