Behavioural management of aggression in dementia: a randomized controlled trial

To evaluate the efficacy of a brief behaviour management training programme for family carers of patients with dementia and aggressive behaviour.

A randomized controlled trial of a four-session, community-based behaviour management programme. The primary outcome measure was the Rating Scale for Aggressive Behaviour in the Elderly.

62 patients with dementia, and their co-resident carers.

There were no significant differences in aggression scores between behaviour management and control groups at follow-up. After adjusting for baseline differences in Rating Scale for Aggressive Behaviour in the Elderly scores, there was a trend towards a reduction in aggressive behaviour in the patients in the behaviour management group compared with those in the control group (F = 3.37, P = 0.071).

This study adds to the small evidence base for the effectiveness of behavioural management strategies in dementia.