Efficacy of Doll thErapy compared with standard treatment in the control of behavioral and psychologic Symptoms and CaRegIver Burden in dEmentia: DESCRIBE a randomized, controlled study

Abstract

Behavioral and psychologic symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are frequent and represent a burden for patients and caregivers; in particular, the presence of agitation and aggression (A/A) has an important impact on patients’ quality of life. As psychotropic drugs can induce severe collateral effects, the use of a first line non-pharmacologic approach is highly recommended. Here we evaluate the effect of doll therapy (DT) on A/A in geriatric patients with moderate to severe dementia hospitalized in an acute geriatric unit. We enrolled fifty-two acute in-patients with dementia and A/A. Subjects were randomized to DT (26) or standard treatment (ST, 26), we measured agitation and caregiver burden with standard clinical scales at baseline and during treatment. In order to evaluate the effect of DT withdrawal, we carried out a telephonic follow-up interview after 1 and 4 weeks from hospital discharge. DT is more effective than ST in the control of agitation, but not in reducing the professional caregiver burden. The use of pro re nata psychotropic drugs was reduced in patients treated with DT. After DT withdrawal, A/A progressively increased. In conclusion we show that DT may be more effective than ST in the control of A/A in acute geriatric in-patients affected by dementia. Our results suggest that, in patients affected by severe to moderate forms of dementia with A/A, DT may be used as a first line treatment, not only in nursing home residents, but also in acute care geriatric in-patients.