Objective
This study compares different nonpharmacological interventions for persons with behavioral
symptoms and dementia on frequency of use and perceived efficacy in terms of change
in behavior and interest.
Methods
Participants were 89 nursing home residents from six Maryland nursing homes with a
mean age of 85.9 years (SD: 8.6 years). Research assistants presented interventions
tailored to the participants' needs and preferences in a pre-intervention trial phase
and in an intervention phase. The impact of each intervention on behavioral symptoms
and on the person's interest was rated immediately after the intervention by a research
assistant.
Results
The most utilized interventions in both trial and treatment phases were the social
intervention of one-on-one interaction, simulated social interventions such as a lifelike
doll and respite video, the theme intervention of magazine, and the sensory stimulation
intervention of music. In contrast, the least utilized interventions in both phases
were sewing, fabric book, and flower arrangement. Interventions with the highest impact
on behavioral symptoms included one-on-one social interaction, hand massage, music,
video, care, and folding towels. Other high impact interventions included walking,
going outside, flower arranging, food or drink, sewing, group activity, book presentation,
ball toss, coloring or painting, walking, and family video.
Conclusions
The results provide initial directions for choosing specific interventions for persons
with dementia and also demonstrate a methodology for increasing knowledge through
ongoing monitoring of practice.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: June 26, 2014
Accepted:
June 20,
2014
Received in revised form:
June 19,
2014
Received:
November 27,
2013
Identification
Copyright
© 2015 American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
