Introduction: Dementia is a rapidly growing disease whose symptoms often include inappropriate behaviour, loss of social contact and abandonment of occupations. Due to the high frequency of behavioural symptoms, it is important to address sensory processing problems in people with dementia, as they lead to difficulties in participating in occupations. Using sensory approaches helps them to make sense of their experiences and environment, which helps to reduce agitation and encourages them to actively participate in occupations. Sensory modulation programme provides a framework for implementing sensory approaches in people with dementia. Purpose: The aim was to investigate what is known about the use of sensory modulation in occupational therapy for people with dementia and to identify which sensory interventions are used in sensory modulation in occupational therapy for people with dementia. Methods: A systematic literature review was carried out. The search was conducted in CINAHL, PubMed, Web of Science and OTseeker. Inclusion criteria were: people with dementia and/or aged 65 years or older, sensory modulation programme, sensory processing and/or sensory integration, occupational therapy, English language and time period 2002–2022. Articles were assessed for relevance, level of evidence and JBI criteria. Results: 10 articles were included in the final analysis. These include three systematic literature reviews, two case studies, two peer-reviewed articles, one randomised control trial, one pilot study and one cohort study. Two main themes were developed: sensory modulation interventions in people with dementia with three sub-themes (interventions to reduce behavioural symptoms, interventions to increase occupational involvement, interventions to increase social involvement) and a critical evaluation of the use of sensory modulation in people with dementia with two sub-themes (advantages and disadvantages of using sensory modulation in people with dementia). Discussion and conclusion: Sensory modulation is mainly used in occupational therapy for people with dementia to reduce inappropriate behaviour, increase occupational engagement and increase social inclusion. It is also recognised as an approach to improve quality of life and well-being. Sensory interventions used in sensory modulation in occupational therapy for people with dementia include: music, aromatherapy, acupressure, massage, visual light effects, sensory gardens, Snoezelen and therapy with animals. More high-quality studies on this topic should be carried out to scientifically prove the effect of sensory modulation in occupational therapy for people with dementia.
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