Question:
In adults with dementia, what is the most effective non-pharmacological intervention for reducing challenging behaviour?
Answer:
No definite clinical implications can be made from the available
evidence. There is some evidence to suggest that various
interventions, including aromatherapy, bed baths, gentle sounds,
individualized music, muscle relaxation training (please refer to
original papers for specific details) - or various general types of
therapy - such as sensory interventions, or functional
analysis-based interventions, may be effective in reducing
behaviour disturbances in people with dementia. There was also
evidence to suggest that individualised treatment were effective.
Almost all of the authors, however, stated that the evidence was
inconclusive and that more research is needed.