What's the Best Way to Manage Agitation Related to Dementia?

A review of more than 160 articles in the Annals of Internal Medicine found nondrug interventions appeared to be more effective than medications in reducing dementia-associated agitation and aggression, reports the Harvard Health blog. Three nonpharmacologic interventions were specified in particular: multidisciplinary care, massage and touch therapy, and music plus massage and touch therapy. Outdoor activities were more effective than antipsychotic medications for physical aggression, while massage and touch therapy were more effective than usual care for verbal aggression. The authors recommended prioritizing nonpharmacologic interventions over drugs, which also is recommended by the practice guidelines of the American Psychiatric Association.