This study is a longitudinal and prospective clinical trial approved by the bioethics Commission of the University of Extremadura. 58 senior citizens institutionalized with dementia in residential homes in Extremadura (Spain) received a treatment focusing on activities of daily living with the SADL programme and with conventional occupational therapy during 5 weeks. The studied variables were the cognitive level and the independence level performing ADL. The variables were measured by an occupational therapist independent to the study at baseline, after 5 weeks of experimental treatment and 6 weeks after the treatment was completed. The standardized tests used were Barthel Index, Lobo's Cognoscitive mini test, Lawton and Brody Scale and Global Deterioration Scale (GDS).