Nature-based intervention for nursing home residents with dementia
Official title: A Person-Centered Environmental and Sensory Intervention for Nursing Home Residents With Dementia Who Exhibit Persistent Vocalizations
Run by Drexel University · NCT06568107 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a nature-based program to see if it can help nursing home residents with dementia reduce their vocalizations and feel less stressed.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 50 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 32 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Drexel University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 31, 2024 |
| Main results expected | July 2025 |
| Study ends | July 2025 |
| Registry record updated | February 6, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06568107 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are nursing home residents aged 50 and older with severe dementia and a history of persistent vocalizations.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are blind, deaf, or show dissent will not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study tests a person-centered, nature-based intervention called the Environmental And Sensory Experience (EASE) for nursing home residents with dementia who exhibit persistent vocalizations. Participants will engage in three visits where their vocalization behaviors will be observed, and they will wear a watch to monitor stress levels. Family members will provide consent and complete a survey to inform the nature scenes used during the intervention. The study aims to assess the feasibility and efficacy of EASE in reducing vocalizations and evaluate staff perceptions of its acceptability.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce distressing vocalizations in dementia patients, improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While this approach is innovative, similar non-pharmacological interventions have shown promise in improving outcomes for dementia patients.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * The participants must: 1) have a medical diagnosis of dementia; 2) have severe dementia as determined by a MMSE score of ≤9 (or another cognitive test indicating severe dementia); 3) have a history of PVs per staff report; 4) be 50 years older or greater; 5) require extensive assistance by staff to ambulate or is non-ambulatory (to allow for consistent video recording). In addition, consent will be obtained from the resident's Legally Authorized Representative (LAR) and assent from the participant. Exclusion Criteria: * Persons living with dementia will be excluded if they: 1) are blind; 2) are deaf; 3) give indications of dissent. Variations will be sought for gender, race and ethnicity.
Where it's running
-
Drexel University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Justine S Sefcik — Drexel University
- Study coordinator: Justine S Sefcik, PhD, RN
- Email: jss398@drexel.edu
- Phone: 6074347205
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.