Using Sensory-Based Interventions for Older Adults With Dementia: Elizabeth Rhodus, PhD, MS, OTR/L

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"In our trials, nearly every participant that we have with dementia has at least one area of sensory processing impairment. It's interesting that we understand sensory processing, which is the brain's ability to process or understand the sensory input that's coming into your brain, integrate it, and then use appropriate behavioral responses."

Sensory processing impairments are increasingly recognized as a meaningful contributor to behavioral symptoms and functional decline among older adults with dementia. Rather than viewing agitation, withdrawal, or other behavioral changes solely as downstream effects of neurodegenerative pathology, emerging research suggests that altered processing of environmental stimuli may underlie or exacerbate these manifestations. Framing dementia-related behaviors through a sensory processing lens opens the door to targeted, nonpharmacologic strategies that may optimize person-environment to fit in this vulnerable population.

At the 2026 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC), held July 12-15, in London, United Kingdom, Elizabeth Rhodus, PhD, MS, OTR/L, assistant professor at Sanders-Brown Center on Aging in the Department of Behavioral Science at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, presented her work titled “Improving Person-Environment Fit of Community-Residing Older Adults with Dementia Through Sensory-based Assessment and Intervention.” Her presentation highlighted the growing clinical trial portfolio evaluating nonpharmacologic, mechanism-based interventions for Alzheimer disease and related dementias.

In an interview with NeurologyLive^®, Rhodus described how her background as a pediatric occupational therapist working with individuals with autism spectrum disorder informed her approach to dementia care. She noted that nearly all participants with dementia in her lab’s trials exhibit at least 1 domain of sensory processing impairment. Rhodus detailed her team’s work developing and testing a structured, sensory-based, nonpharmacologic intervention across multiple NIH-funded randomized controlled trials. She also discussed ongoing efforts to scale this protocol through a larger, multisite trial and to extend the sensory processing framework to other neurologic conditions.

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REFERENCES
1. Rhodus E, et al. Improving Person-Environment Fit of Community-Residing Older Adults with Dementia Through Sensory-based Assessment and Intervention. Presented at: 2026 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference; July 12-15; London, United Kingdom. Abstract #13195.
2. Sanders-Brown researchers to share during Alzheimer’s Association International Conference. News release. University of Kentucky College of Medicine. July 9, 2026. Accessed July 14, 2026. https://medicine.uky.edu/news/sanders-brown-researchers-share-during-alzheimers-2026-07-09t09-48-30