The Outcomes of an Inpatient Treatment Program for Geriatric Patients With Dementia and Dysfunctional Behaviors

• Published in: The Gerontologist Vol. 39; no. 6; pp. 668 - 676
• Main Authors: Holm, Alvin, Michel, Matthew, Stern, Greg A., Hung, Tsui-Min, Klein, Theresa, Flaherty, Linda, Michel, Sara, Maletta, Gabe
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States The Gerontological Society of America 01-12-1999; Oxford University Press
• Subjects: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Behavior; Dementia; Dementia - complications; Disruptive behavior; Female; Geriatric pyschiatry; Geriatrics; Health Services for the Aged - organization & administration; Health Services for the Aged - statistics & numerical data; Humans; Length of Stay; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Mental Disorders - diagnosis; Mental Disorders - drug therapy; Mental Disorders - etiology; Middle Aged; Minnesota; Outcome Assessment (Health Care); Program Evaluation; Prospective Studies; Psychiatry; Psychomotor Agitation - drug therapy; Psychomotor Agitation - etiology; Sickness Impact Profile; Skilled Nursing Facilities - organization & administration; Skilled Nursing Facilities - statistics & numerical data; Therapy; Minnesota
• ISSN: 0016-9013; 1758-5341
• DOI: 10.1093/geront/39.6.668

This study evaluated outcomes of an inpatient program designed to reduce severe agitated behavior in geriatric patients with dementia who could not be successfully treated on an outpatient basis. An individualized treatment plan was created for each patient (N = 250) that involved pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions with behavioral, environmental, and psychological components. Assessment of behavioral, cognitive, and functional status was conducted for each patient on admission to the program and at discharge. Significant improvements on these assessments were observed. We conclude that the longitudinal, multidisciplinary approach used in this study was effective in significantly reducing intrusive and dangerous behaviors while preserving or enhancing patients' cognitive and functional abilities.