Study designs of evaluations included in the review
The chosen interventions were published as an article in a scientific book or journal; presentations, abstracts and reports were excluded. The study design used most often was either a comparison of baseline with intervention, or a comparison of baseline, intervention and a post-intervention period. Very few studies used a control group or a control condition. The duration of treatment varied with the type of treatment. The studies varied greatly in the time period for which the impact was examined.
Specific interventions included in the review
There were no stated inclusion criteria for interventions. The interventions reported were as follows.
Sensory intervention (for stimulation or relaxation), including music, massage or touch, white noise and sensory stimulation.
Social contact (real or simulated), including one-on-one interaction, pet visits and simulated presence therapy and videos.
Behaviour therapy, including differential reinforcement, cognitive and stimulus control.
Staff training.
Activities, including structured activities, outdoor walks and physical activities.
Environmental interventions, including wandering areas, natural or enhanced environments and reduced-stimulation environments.
Medical or nursing care interventions, including light or sleep therapy, pain management, hearing aids and removal of restraints.
Combination therapies, including individualised and group treatments.
Participants included in the review
The participants were at least 60 years old and suffered from dementia or cognitive impairment. The majority of the studies (76%) were conducted in residential facilities, primarily nursing homes, with the rest in hospitals, the community or other types of residential arrangements.
Outcomes assessed in the review
Studies were included if a measure of the behaviour or of change was recorded. The reported outcome measures were varied; some studies included an average of ratings of different constructs such as delusions, hallucinations, suspiciousness and violence, whilst others concentrated on specific behaviours such as aggressive behaviours or disruptive vocalisations.
How were decisions on the relevance of primary studies made?
The author does not state how the papers were selected for the review, or how many of the reviewers performed the selection.