Effekten av icke-farmakologiska behandlingar i omvårdnaden av personer med demens och beteendemässiga och psykiska symtom : En litteraturstudie

Background: The prevalence of dementia increases both in Sweden and in the rest of the world. People with dementia often display some types of behavioral and psychological symptoms. These symptoms include, among other things, aggressiveness, inactivity, activity disturbance, anxiety, hallucinations and depression. The symptoms can create a negative impact of those with dementia, their caregivers and their next of kin. Aim: To describe the effect of non-pharmacological treatments have on the behavioral and psychological symptoms of people with dementia. Also describe the methodological aspect data collection. Method: This literature study had a descriptive design. Fourteen scientific articles with quantitative research design were included and were found on the database PubMed. The articles were published between the years 2004-2014 and were written in English. Result: Different non-pharmacological treatments had variable effects on behavioral and psychological symptoms. Treatments of music had effect and reduced aggressiveness, inactivity, depression, hallucinations and anxiety. Music also had a long term effect on activity disturbance. Snoezelen reduced aggressiveness, and also inactivity. Dog-assisted-therapy had positive effect on inactivity and also reduced the level of anxiety. Tactile massage had a positive effect on physical aggressiveness. Some of the non-pharmacological treatments did not have effects on behavioral and psychological symptoms, and also increased verbally aggressiveness. Conclusion: The result of this study indicates that non-pharmacological treatments need to be individualized and that the nurse should be alert to the reactions of the patient during treatment. Varying results in effects also shows for more research on this topic in order to strengthen the evidence