Treatment for agitation in dementia patients: A behavior management approach

Author(s): Logsdon, R. G., Whall, A. L., Weiner, M. F., Trimmer, C., Peskind, E., Thal, L.

Journal/Book: Psychotherapy. 1998; 35: 3900 E Camelback Rd #200, Phoenix, AZ 85018, USA. Amer Psychological Assoc, Div Psychotherapy. 436-443.

Abstract: Agitation is a crucial problem in the care of patients with Alzheimer's disease. Behaviors such as wandering, physical and verbal aggression, resisting care, and arguing ape common and frequently lead to caregiver burnout and patient institutionalization. While clinical suggestions to help caregivers deal with such problems are plentiful, no standardized approach has been published nor are controlled clinical trials available. This article presents a standardized, social-learning-based, behavioral approach to the treatment of agitation in patients with dementia. It describes a multisite, randomized, controlled clinical trial designed to evaluate this approach and illustrates the use of this approach in four cases from three different sites.

Note: Article Teri L, Univ Washington, Dept Psychosocial & Community Hlth, Sch Med, Box 357263, Seattle,WA 98195 USA

Keyword(s): ALZHEIMERS-DISEASE; FAMILY CAREGIVERS; DISTURBANCE; DIAGNOSIS; SYMPTOMS

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