Digitally Controlled Light, Sound and Aroma Therapy

Light, sound and aroma therapy are often used as complementary medical methods in the treatment of people with neuropsychiatric symptoms. However, there is a lack of systematization and individualization in the application. We present a solution that performs a coordinated light, sound and aroma therapy at the right time, for a suitable period of time, and with the required intensity as well as quality. In a field study, the solution was used for a total of 18 months with 130 elderly people suffering from dementia and 39 professional careers. The results show immediate effects of the interventions on physical activity, measured with motion sensors. Relaxation mode leads to calmer behavior and activation mode leads to more intense behavior. Long-term effects during medication treatment may be assumed in the neuropsychiatric symptoms. There are some methodological limitations in the interpretation, which typically result from field studies. We are able to demonstrate that a coordinated combination of light, sound and aroma therapy, tailored to a person’s individual needs, is possible and can stimulate the expected behavior.