Non-pharmacological Interventions to Treat Clinical Symptoms in Patients with Dementia

Abstract

Previous systematic reviews of non-pharmacological interventions for clinical symptoms in dementia patients have confirmed the effectiveness of cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) for cognitive impairment, exercise therapy for activities of daily living, and music therapy and behavior management techniques for behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). A Japanese version of CST has been developed and is available, but standardized exercise therapy and music therapy have not been developed. It is also important for informal and formal caregivers to learn behavior management techniques. Thus, attempts are being made to promote the use of behavior management techniques in Japan. It is further important to incorporate non-pharmacological interventions into the daily life of dementia patients and to prevent the development of BPSD. In Japan, these interventions are usually provided in care services for elderly people and are covered by the Japanese long-term insurance system. Thus, it is advisable for dementia patients to start using these care services before they develop BPSD. The effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions in patients with diseases causing dementia other than Alzheimer's disease has not yet been assessed.