A Systematic Review of Sensory Processing and Integration Assessments used in Occupational Therapy for Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment or Dementia: A Protocol

The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the current evidence for assessments used by occupational therapy in measuring sensory processing and integration for older adults with mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Sensory processing and integration reflect an individual’s neurophysiologic abilities to detect, modulate and integrate sensory stimulation from the environment and initiate appropriate response and behavior (Miller, Schoen, Mulligan, & Sullivan, 2017). In terms of sensory processingand integrationto be assessed, we will be including sensory modulation (sensory over-responsivity, sensory under-responsivity, sensory craving), sensory discrimination (visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory/gustatory, interoception, vestibular, proprioception), and sensory-based motor disorders (dyspraxia, postural disorder)(Miller, Anzalone, Lane, Cermak, & Osten, 2007). Increasing evidence supports use of sensory-based interventions for adults with mild cognitive impairment and dementia(Lorusso & Bosch, 2017; Strom, Ytrehus, & Grov, 2016). But, assessment and measurement of sensory processing is not well understood for this population(Parham et al., 2007). Toenhance reproducibility and generalizability of sensory-based interventions, rigorous assessment of sensory processing and integration in persons with MCI or dementia is needed.