Study: Environmental Stimuli Reduce Apathy in Residents with Dementia

A new study has found that residents with dementia are less likely to experience apathy when the long-term care facilities where they reside provide strong environmental stimulation.

According to the researcher, roughly 90 percent of residents with dementia experience apathy. As a result, they are less likely to socialize with other residents or engage in everyday activities. Studies have linked apathy to a swifter decline in residents with dementia.

The researcher was able to conclude that residents were less likely to experience apathy at facilities that provided clear and strong stimuli in areas such as ambiance, lights, sounds and staff familiarity with residents. Residents showed greater apathy at facilities that were either less stimulating or overwhelming.

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