Abstract
(1) Background: Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are a threat for people with dementia and their caregivers. Doll therapy is a non-pharmacological person-centered therapy to promote attachment, company, and usefulness with the aim of minimizing challenging behaviors. However, the results are not clear. (2) Objective: To know the effectiveness of doll therapy in reducing behavioral and psychological symptoms of people with dementia at a moderate-severe phase. (3) Methodology: The systematic review was informed according to the criteria established by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Searches were conducted in eight databases: Cochrane, PubMed, Web of Science, Cinahl, Embase, Lilacs, PeDro, and Scopus before October 2021. Studies were selected when they accomplished the simple majority of Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT). The risk of bias was appraised with the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Tool. The review protocol was recorded in Inplasy:1539. (4) Results: The initial search strategy showed 226 relevant studies, 7 of which met the eligibility criteria. In the included studies, a total number of 295 participants (79% female) with a mean age of 85 years were enrolled. There was found to be a reduction in challenging and aggressive behaviors, the participants were less rough and irritable, and their communication skills and emotional state were also improved. (5) Conclusion: Our findings suggest that doll therapy improves the emotional state of people with dementia, diminishes disruptive behaviors, and promotes communication. However, randomized studies with a larger sample size and higher methodological rigor are needed, as well as follow-up protocols in order to reaffirm these results.
Highlights
Dementia is one of the most common syndromes in old age with an evolution that follows an exponential pattern; it is estimated that by 2030 there will be 82 million people in the world diagnosed with dementia [1].Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease of unknown etiology characterized by a progressive deterioration of memory and cognitive function and represents between 60 and 80% of dementia cases [2]
A total of 35 articles were identified for full reading, of which 28 were excluded
Seven articles were obtained for the present systematic review
Summary
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease of unknown etiology characterized by a progressive deterioration of memory and cognitive function and represents between 60 and 80% of dementia cases [2]. In 90% of AD cases, symptoms such as agitation, psychosis, apathy, sleep disorders, appetite changes, euphoria, irritability, aberrant motor behavior, depression, and anxiety usually appear [3]. Aggression, agitation, delirium, and erratic wandering have been identified as one of the main reasons for the overload of informal caregivers [4,5]. The impact of BPSD is so intense and overwhelming that it provokes high exhaustion, stress, anxiety, and depression in the patient, as well as in the family and caregivers, triggering institutionalization in most cases. Several studies have found that SCPD, such as agitation, erratic wandering, and aggressive episodes, may cause negative feelings and discomfort [6], causing a painful experience [7,8] and reducing their work motivation [9]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
