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Evidence to Improve Care

Behavioural Symptoms of Dementia

3

Individualized Nonpharmacological Interventions

People living with dementia and symptoms of agitation or aggression receive nonpharmacological interventions that are tailored to their specific needs, symptoms, and preferences, as specified in their individualized care plan.


There are a variety of nonpharmacological interventions that can be effective in managing symptoms of agitation or aggression in people living with dementia. Treatment approaches should include a combination of nonpharmacological interventions that are individualized based on the person’s needs, symptoms, preferences, and history. Nonpharmacological interventions may be oriented to the senses (e.g., aromatherapy, multisensory therapy) or cognition (e.g., reminiscence therapy) and should have demonstrated effectiveness in improving behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia. Recreational activities and exercise may also improve a person’s ability to function and their quality of life.

For Patients

For Patients Non-drug treatments should be tried first.


For Clinicians

Before considering drug therapies, offer people at least three nonpharmacological interventions (described in the Definitions section of this statement) for managing their symptoms. Tailor nonpharmacological therapies to people’s needs, symptoms, preferences, and history, as documented in their individualized care plan.


For Health Services

Ensure that hospitals and long-term care homes have the systems, processes, and resources in place to offer a variety of nonpharmacological interventions (described in the Definitions section of this statement).

Process Indicator

Percentage of people living with dementia and symptoms of agitation or aggression who are offered nonpharmacological interventions

  • Denominator: total number of people living with dementia and symptoms of agitation or aggression

  • Numerator: number of people in the denominator who are offered at least three nonpharmacological interventions

  • Data source: local data collection

Percentage of people living with dementia and symptoms of agitation or aggression who receive nonpharmacological interventions as specified in their individualized care plan

  • Denominator: total number of people living with dementia and symptoms of agitation or aggression who have an individualized care plan

  • Numerator: number of people in the denominator who receive nonpharmacological interventions as specified in their individualized care plan

  • Data source: local data collection


Structural Indicator

Availability of three or more evidence-based nonpharmacological interventions to manage the symptoms of agitation and aggression in people living with dementia

  • Data source: local data collection

Nonpharmacological interventions

Effective nonpharmacological interventions may include the following:

  • Aromatherapy

  • Multisensory therapy

  • Music therapy

  • Dance therapy

  • Pet-assisted therapy

  • Massage therapy

  • Reminiscence therapy

  • Recreational activities

  • Physical activity

This list is not intended to be exhaustive. Other nonpharmacological interventions may also be effective for some individuals.

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