Behavioural management of aggression in dementia: a randomized controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of a brief behaviour management training programme for family carers of patients with dementia and aggressive behaviour.


METHODS
A randomized controlled trial of a four-session, community-based behaviour management programme. The primary outcome measure was the Rating Scale for Aggressive Behaviour in the Elderly.


METHODS
62 patients with dementia, and their co-resident carers.


RESULTS
There were no significant differences in aggression scores between behaviour management and control groups at follow-up. After adjusting for baseline differences in Rating Scale for Aggressive Behaviour in the Elderly scores, there was a trend towards a reduction in aggressive behaviour in the patients in the behaviour management group compared with those in the control group (F = 3.37, P = 0.071).


CONCLUSIONS
This study adds to the small evidence base for the effectiveness of behavioural management strategies in dementia.
Gormley
N
N
Section of Old Age Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AF, UK.
Lyons
D
D
Howard
R
R
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000374:Aggression / Q000523:psychology*; D001519:Behavior; D017028:Caregivers / Q000193:education; D003704:Dementia / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales