Behavioural management of aggression in dementia: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objective: to evaluate the efficacy of a brief behaviour management training programme for family carers of patients with dementia and aggressive behaviour. Design: 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. Participants: 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.