Management for Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia: An Integrative Review

Written by Mary Dioise Ramos, Modupe Adewuyi, Jenna Shackleford, Chinomso Nwozichi, Katie Dooley, Jackson Martin, Gwyneth McGrath, Adriana Morrell, & Molly Waldron

doi: https://doi.org/10.13178/jnparr.2024.14.01.1405

Abstract

Background: Dementia is associated with various behavioral and psychological symptoms, including agitation, insomnia, hallucinations, restlessness, depressed mood, and
anxiety. However, it is unclear which pharmacological or non-pharmacological interventions are effective in the long-term management of these symptoms.

Objective: This integrative review aimed to synthesize various interventions that can be used to reduce behavioral and psychological symptoms in persons with dementia while
minimizing invasiveness, particularly in the context of long-term care.

Methods: The review used the Johns Hopkins Evidence-Based Practice Model (JHEBPM) and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) tools to conduct a literature search of articles published in CINAHL, PubMed, and Medline between 2017 and 2023.

Results: Articles were initially identified (N = 1, 267), but only 17 studies met the inclusion criteria and were ultimately included in the review. The studies identified several interventions for reducing agitation in dementia patients, including Music Therapy, Acupressure Therapy, Medication Therapy, The Montessori Way, Doll Therapy, Animal Therapy, distraction-free environments, and Therapeutic Touch.

Conclusion: Evidence suggests that both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions are effective in reducing behavioral and psychological symptoms in dementia
patients. However, non-pharmacological approaches are preferred as the first-line option.

Keywords: dementia, symptom management, older adults, non-pharmacological interventions