Medication is not the only treatment option
Non-medication therapies may be considered first or at least concurrently with medication. Make sure medical conditions that contribute to behavioral disturbances, including pain, infection, and side effects of medication are treated. Unmet needs, such as thirst, hunger, or desire for attention, must be addressed. Also, avoid disturbing environmental factors, including strong smells, loud noises, and poorly lit condition. Most non-medication therapies have been studied in a series of smaller studies compared to the much larger randomized controlled trials of medications. Here are some examples of the non-medication treatments that have been studied.
• Stimulation/activities including massage/touch therapy.
Improvement in nutritional intake and hand massage, when combined with positive encouragement during a meal, may produce a short-term positive effect on agitation.
• Music therapy.
Listening to music selected by a patient’s family based on patient preference, classical music, pleasant sounds such as ocean waves, and even comforting prayer and stories recorded by family members may be effective for agitation.
• Exercise
This benefits patients of all ages and stages of illness, even those with terminal disease. There is a positive effect of physical activities on behaviors ranging from wandering to aggression and agitation. Activities include indoor exercises, group gentle stretches, and a volunteer-led walking program that encouraged hand holding and singing.
• Pet therapy
In addition to stimulating a social response, patients may benefit from the presence of therapy animals because of:
Reduced agitation. Agitation behaviors may be reduced in the presence of a dog.
Physical activity. Depending on a patient’s mobility, he or she may be able to groom the animal, or even go for a short walk.
Improved eating. Patients have been shown to eat more following a dog’s visit.
Pleasure. Patients may simply enjoy the presence of the dog and its companion, as well as the tricks therapy dogs can do.
• Reminiscence therapy or Life-review
This involves stimulating memories of the past by looking at personal photos/newspaper clippings and discussing the past. It is usually well received by patients and caregivers.
• Cognitive stimulation
This consists of activities such as reviewing current events, drawing, associating words, discussion of hobbies, and planning daily activities. This type of therapy has been shown to improve cognition in patients, as well as well-being and quality of life.
• Stimulation/activities including massage/touch therapy.
Improvement in nutritional intake and hand massage, when combined with positive encouragement during a meal, may produce a short-term positive effect on agitation.
• Music therapy.
Listening to music selected by a patient’s family based on patient preference, classical music, pleasant sounds such as ocean waves, and even comforting prayer and stories recorded by family members may be effective for agitation.
• Exercise
This benefits patients of all ages and stages of illness, even those with terminal disease. There is a positive effect of physical activities on behaviors ranging from wandering to aggression and agitation. Activities include indoor exercises, group gentle stretches, and a volunteer-led walking program that encouraged hand holding and singing.
• Pet therapy
In addition to stimulating a social response, patients may benefit from the presence of therapy animals because of:
Reduced agitation. Agitation behaviors may be reduced in the presence of a dog.
Physical activity. Depending on a patient’s mobility, he or she may be able to groom the animal, or even go for a short walk.
Improved eating. Patients have been shown to eat more following a dog’s visit.
Pleasure. Patients may simply enjoy the presence of the dog and its companion, as well as the tricks therapy dogs can do.
• Reminiscence therapy or Life-review
This involves stimulating memories of the past by looking at personal photos/newspaper clippings and discussing the past. It is usually well received by patients and caregivers.
• Cognitive stimulation
This consists of activities such as reviewing current events, drawing, associating words, discussion of hobbies, and planning daily activities. This type of therapy has been shown to improve cognition in patients, as well as well-being and quality of life.
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