Using dolls to help reduce agitation in elderly patients with dementia
Efficacy of Doll Therapy in the Control of Behavioral and psychologIcal Symptoms of Dementia in Acute Geriatric Inpatients: the AGITATE Study.
This study is testing if giving dolls to elderly patients with dementia can help calm them down and improve their overall well-being.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 92 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lausanne, Canton of Vaud) |
| Trial ID | NCT05691569 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effectiveness of doll therapy in alleviating behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) among acute geriatric inpatients. The approach aims to reduce agitation and aggressiveness in patients diagnosed with moderate to severe dementia by providing empathy dolls for interaction. By integrating doll therapy into clinical practice, the study seeks to minimize the reliance on psychotropic medications, shorten hospital stays, and enhance the quality of life for both patients and their caregivers.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are elderly individuals aged 65 and older with moderate to severe dementia who exhibit agitation or aggressiveness.
Not a fit: Patients with mild forms of dementia or those who have contraindications related to doll therapy may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve the quality of life for dementia patients and reduce the burden on caregivers.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of doll therapy is a novel approach in this context, similar interventions have shown promise in improving the well-being of dementia patients in other settings.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion 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.
Where this trial is running
Lausanne, Canton of Vaud
- geriatric and Geriatric Rehabilitation Unit — Lausanne, Canton of Vaud, Switzerland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Patrizia D Amelio, MD, PhD
- Email: patrizia.damelio@chuv.ch
- Phone: +41213143712
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.