Evaluating the Impact of Doll Therapy on Agitation, Nutritional Status, and Activities of Daily Living in Agitated Older Adults With Dementia: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Evaluating the Impact of Doll Therapy on Agitation, Nutritional Status, and Activities of Daily Living in Agitated Older Adults With Dementia: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This study is designed to determine the effect of doll therapy on the levels of agitation, nutrition, and daily living activities in elderly patients with dementia and agitation.
Elderly patients with agitation and dementia incur significant costs for healthcare services. Additionally, it is known that agitation can impose a burden on caregivers and has the potential to cause harm to the individual and those around them. This study is planned to determine the effect of doll therapy on the levels of agitation, nutrition, and daily living activities in elderly patients with dementia and agitation.
Inclusion Criteria:
Aged 65 years or older, met the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for dementia, clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, diagnosis of dementia (moderate or severe) confirmed by a neurologist, must be able to swallow tablets, had sufficient hand motor skills to hold and care for a doll, had adequate visual acuity to recognize the doll, had no significant communication impairments, were personally willing to participate in the study, had the consent of their legal guardians or family members for participation in the study. Exhibiting agitation, defined as a score of 35 or higher on the long form of the CMAI.
Exclusion Criteria:
Participants were excluded from the study if they had a diagnosis of mild dementia, were experiencing an acute exacerbation of a systemic illness, or had a diagnosed psychological disorder, Insulin dependent diabetes and thyroid disease. Additionally, elderly individuals who experienced difficulty accepting and forming a relationship with the doll after two attempts were excluded from the study. Those who initially accepted the doll but later abandoned it were also excluded. Lastly, participants who reported that the doll triggered negative associations or adverse emotional responses were excluded.