Efficacy of Doll Therapy in the Dementia in Acute Geriatric Inpatients

Launched by CENTRE HOSPITALIER UNIVERSITAIRE VAUDOIS · Jan 19, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the use of empathy dolls to help reduce behavioral and psychological symptoms in older adults with moderate to severe dementia, such as agitation and aggressiveness. These symptoms can become worse during hospital stays and often require medication, which may not always work and can sometimes lead to unwanted side effects. The goal of the trial is to see if doll therapy can improve the patients’ comfort and quality of life while also reducing the need for medication and shortening hospital stays.

To participate in the trial, individuals must be at least 65 years old and have a diagnosis of moderate to severe dementia, as well as show signs of agitation or aggressiveness. They should also be able to interact with the doll. Those interested will be closely monitored during the study to see how they respond to the doll therapy. This trial aims to provide a new approach to managing dementia symptoms, benefiting not only the patients but also their families and caregivers.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • age ≥65 years
• • diagnosis of dementia moderate to severe Clinical Dementia Rating scale (CDR) ≥2
• • presence of agitation and/or aggressiveness
• • manual and visual abilities sufficient in order to interact with the doll.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • age \<65 years;
• • refuse to participate;
• • mild forms of dementia (CDR\<2);
• • contraindication for DT as experience of mournful or traumatic events related to parental experience;
• • life expectancy lower than 3 months;
• • infectious diseases requiring isolation;
• • negative interaction with the doll,
• • presence of delirium.