Single ability among activities of daily living as a predictor of agitation

The aims of this study were to investigate whether the interaction effect between restraint and functional ability, and single ability during activities of daily living can predict agitation among residents with dementia.

Agitated behaviour is one of the most common symptoms of dementia and might endanger the patients themselves, caregivers and institutions. However, the prevalence of problem behaviours and its associated factors at long-term care facilities in Taiwan are less understood.

A direct observation was used to observe the agitated behaviours of residents with dementia in special care units.

Residents of dementia special care units who were diagnosed with dementia in eight long-term care facilities were recruited. Measurements included: demographic data, the Barthel Index, the Mini-Mental State Examination and the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory.

The number of subjects who were identified with problem behaviours was 163 (43.5%). Significant differences in sex, being restrained, restrained time, age, family visits, functional status and mental status were found between the agitated and non-agitated groups. However, mental status, family visits, walking ability, being restrained and getting in and off toilet were five independent factors associated with agitated behaviours after controlling for all other factors.

It is recommended that strategies be constructed to encourage the family to periodically visit older residents and to develop restraint-free environments in long-term care facilities.

Residents with dementia require significant daily living support and behaviour management as their illness progress.