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Relationship between symptoms of depression and agitation in nursing home residents with dementia
- Authors:
- VOLICER Ladislav, et al
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 27(7), July 2012, pp.749-754.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
It is suggested that the behavioural symptoms of dementia are more difficult to manage than the underlying cognitive impairment and that this is sometimes hindered by the use of the all encompassing term “agitation” without reference to the situation in which it occurs. This study analysed the relationship between three modifiable factors (depression, psychosis, and pain) related to agitation of nursing home residents with dementia. Data were gathered using longitudinal Minimum Data Set (MDS) information for 2032 residents of Dutch nursing homes (mean age 84.2 years, 70% female). Agitation and depression were measured using validated scales based on MDS information and psychosis and pain from the individual MDS items. There was a significant correlation between MDS depression and agitation scores. Depression scores increased when agitation worsened and decreased when agitation improved. Psychosis scores (combination of delusions and hallucinations) also correlated with MDS depression scores, and psychosis scores increased in residents whose agitation worsened. Pain scores correlated with agitation scores, but these did not change with changes in agitation. Depression symptoms were present in 51% of residents, but psychotic symptoms in only 15%, two-thirds of these residents were also depressed. The authors conclude that depression may be the most common factor associated with agitation in nursing home residents with dementia.