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Agitated Behaviours (agitated + behaviour)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	100%

Selected Abstracts

Efficacy of aromatherapy (Lavandula angustifolia) as an intervention for agitated behaviours in Chinese older persons with dementia: a cross-over randomized trial

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY, Issue 5 2007
Pamela Wan-ki Lin
Abstract Background Agitated behaviours among persons with dementia are distressing to both patients and their caregivers. As pharmacological interventions may be limited by their potentially adverse effects, the use of complementary therapies for treatment of agitation has become more popular and aromatherapy is the fastest growing one. Objectives This study investigates the effectiveness of lavandula angustifolia (lavender) in treating agitated behaviours of demented people in Hong Kong. Methods It was a cross-over randomized trial. Seventy Chinese older adults with dementia were recruited; half were randomly assigned to the active group (lavender inhalation) for three weeks and then switched to control group (sunflower inhalation) for another three weeks; the other half did the opposite. Clinical response was evaluated using the Chinese versions of Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CCMAI) and Neuropsychiatric Inventory (CNPI). Results The mean CCMAI total scores decreased from 24.68 to 17.77(t,=,10.79, df,=,69, p,<,0.001). The CNPI scores changed from 63.17 (SD,=,17.81) to 58.77 (SD,=,16.74) (t,=,14.59, df,=,69, p,<,0.001) after receiving Treatment A (Lavandula Angustifolia). There were no period and sequential effects noted. Conclusion In summary, lavender is effective as an adjunctive therapy in alleviating agitated behaviours in Chinese patients with dementia. In a patient population particularly vulnerable to side effects of psychotropic medications, aromatherapy using lavender may offer an alternative option. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Agitation and weight loss in an autistic boy

JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRICS AND CHILD HEALTH, Issue 3 2007
Rachel Conyers
Abstract: An 11 year old boy with autism presented with a 2-month history of agitated behaviour with associated weight loss. On examination he was wasted and distressed. He had severe hypoalbuminaemia. Gastrointestinal imaging revealed a gastric bezoar. At operation a large phytobezoar extending into the jejunum was identified and removed. Postoperatively he required intensive nutritional resuscitation and support, including treatment of multiple micronutrient deficiencies. Malnutrition is common in children with developmental disabilities, with a number of possible contributing factors. Gastric bezoar is a rare cause, which should be considered in mobile children who may engage in pica. [source]

Dog-assisted therapy for older people with dementia: A review

AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL ON AGEING, Issue 4 2008
Jacqueline Perkins
This review summarises and critiques the published literature regarding dog therapy for older people with dementia living in residential aged care facilities. Nine studies were identified for inclusion and although the methodological variability of studies makes it difficult to draw firm conclusions, research suggests that dog therapy is beneficial for people with dementia. The most frequently reported findings were an increase in social behaviour and a decrease in agitated behaviour during dog contact. Improvement in social behaviour was found to be unrelated to the severity of dementia. Various improvements on measures of global function were also reported. No study adopted a randomised controlled trial design and a number of potentially important factors were not controlled for, including halo effects of animals on caregivers that may bias caregivers' responses when acting as proxies for their relatives or residents. The premorbid relationship with dogs may be an important variable influencing outcomes. [source]

Efficacy of aromatherapy (Lavandula angustifolia) as an intervention for agitated behaviours in Chinese older persons with dementia: a cross-over randomized trial

Use of preferred music to decrease agitated behaviours in older people with dementia: a review of the literature

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 9 2005
Huei-chuan Sung MSN
Aims and objectives., This paper reviews study findings of preferred music on agitated behaviours for older people with dementia and provides implications for future research and practice. Background., Music has been suggested as a feasible and less costly intervention to manage agitated behaviours in older people with dementia. However, no review of the literature focusing on study findings of preferred music on agitated behaviours in older people with dementia had been reported. Methods., A review was undertaken using electronic databases with specified search terms for the period of 1993,2005. The references listed in the publications selected were also searched for additional studies. Results., Eight research-based articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The preferred music intervention demonstrated positive outcomes in reducing the occurrence of some types of agitated behaviours in older people with dementia. The findings from these studies were relatively consistent in finding improvement in agitated behaviours although the findings in one study did not reach statistical significance. The small sample sizes and some variations in the application of the preferred music intervention mean that caution is needed in drawing conclusions from these studies. Conclusions., This review highlights that preferred music has positive effects on decreasing agitated behaviours in older people with dementia; however, the methodological limitations indicate the need for further research. Relevance to clinical practice., Findings from the review highlight the beneficial outcomes of preferred music in reducing agitated behaviours for older people with dementia. The incorporation of preferred music has the potential to provide a therapeutic approach to the care of older people with dementia. [source]