Using Complementary and Alternative Medicine to Treat Pain and Agitation in Dementia: A Review of Randomized Controlled Trials from Long-Term Care with Potential Use in Critical Care.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the efficacy of massage in reducing behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) and pain in adults with dementia.
Results Summary
The study found that massage and human interaction demonstrated efficacy in reducing BPSD and pain, though aromatherapy did not show apparent benefits.
Population
Adults with dementia, particularly those with painful comorbidities and behavioral symptoms.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies | decrease | pain and BPSD | adults with dementia | - | may alleviate | #1 |
continuity of therapy | increase | these therapeutic effects | adults with dementia | - | may bolster | #2 |
aromatherapy | no change | - | - | - | did not reveal an apparent benefit | #3 |
Massage and human interaction | decrease | BPSD and pain | - | - | did demonstrate efficacy in reducing | #4 |
The risk of pain in adults with dementia worsens with advancing age. Painful comorbidities may be underassessed and inadequately treated. Receiving treatment in critical care settings may indicate greater occurrences of pain and complications. Pain may exacerbate behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), such as agitation. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies may alleviate pain and BPSD, and continuity of therapy may bolster these therapeutic effects. This review did not reveal an apparent benefit of aromatherapy; however, improvements in BPSD have been shown previously. Massage and human interaction did demonstrate efficacy in reducing BPSD and pain.