Non-Pharmacological interventions for sleeping disorders in patients with dementia

Dimitriou Tatiana-Danai; Verykouki Eleni; Papatriantafyllou John; Konsta Anastasia; Kazis Dimitrios; Tsolaki Magda

Volume : VII, Issue : XII, December - 2018

Non-Pharmacological interventions for sleeping disorders in patients with dementia

Dimitriou Tatiana Danai, Verykouki Eleni, Papatriantafyllou John, Konsta Anastasia, Kazis Dimitrios, Tsolaki Magda

Abstract :

Background: Dementia is a devastating neurodegenerative disease that affects 47.5 million people globally. The Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD) affect patients with dementia (PwD) from MCI to severe stage of the disease. Sleeping disturbances, one of BPSD symptoms, include night–time awakenings, daytime sleepiness, insomnia and nightmares. The pharmacological approach have side effects that should be taken under serious attention.. The non–pharmacological management aims to improve the quality and quantity of sleep.

Methods/ Design: The trial is a cross–over randomized controlled trial (RCT) conducted in Greece. Sixty (60) participants with all types and stages of dementia were randomly assigned to 6 different groups.

Discussion: The most effective non–pharmacological intervention for the sleeping disturbances in PwD was “psychoeducational programme for the caregivers– structured bedtime routine”. The second more effective was “physical exercise” and the third was “aromatherapy and massage therapy”. The literature so far lacks of large single or double–blinded randomized controlled trials.