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Non-pharmacological interventions for agitation in dementia: systematic review of randomised controlled trials.

Livingston, G; Kelly, L; Lewis-Holmes, E; Baio, G; Morris, S; Patel, N; Omar, RZ; ... Cooper, C; + view all (2014) Non-pharmacological interventions for agitation in dementia: systematic review of randomised controlled trials. Br J Psychiatry , 205 (6) 436 - 442. 10.1192/bjp.bp.113.141119. Green open access

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Abstract

Background Agitation in dementia is common, persistent and distressing and can lead to care breakdown. Medication is often ineffective and harmful. Aims To systematically review randomised controlled trial evidence regarding non-pharmacological interventions. Method We reviewed 33 studies fitting predetermined criteria, assessed their validity and calculated standardised effect sizes (SES). Results Person-centred care, communication skills training and adapted dementia care mapping decreased symptomatic and severe agitation in care homes immediately (SES range 0.3-1.8) and for up to 6 months afterwards (SES range 0.2-2.2). Activities and music therapy by protocol (SES range 0.5-0.6) decreased overall agitation and sensory intervention decreased clinically significant agitation immediately. Aromatherapy and light therapy did not demonstrate efficacy. Conclusions There are evidence-based strategies for care homes. Future interventions should focus on consistent and long-term implementation through staff training. Further research is needed for people living in their own homes.

Type: Article
Title: Non-pharmacological interventions for agitation in dementia: systematic review of randomised controlled trials.
Open access status: An open access version is available from UCL Discovery
DOI: 10.1192/bjp.bp.113.141119
Publisher version: http://dx.doi.org/10.1192/bjp.bp.113.141119
Additional information: © The Royal College of Psychiatrists 2015. This is an open access article
UCL classification: UCL
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Brain Sciences
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Brain Sciences > Division of Psychiatry
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Population Health Sciences > Institute of Epidemiology and Health
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Population Health Sciences > Institute of Epidemiology and Health > Applied Health Research
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of Maths and Physical Sciences
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of Maths and Physical Sciences > Dept of Statistical Science
URI: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/1457715
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