Pharmacological Versus Non-Pharmacological Treatment of Agitation in Patients with Dementia
Advisor(s)
Jamie Craig
Confirmation
1
Document Type
Poster
Location
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Start Date
24-4-2026 11:00 AM
End Date
24-4-2026 11:50 AM
Abstract
Problem: Dementia is a neurocognitive disorder that results from neurodegenerative or non-neurodegenerative manifestations leading to a decline in a patient’s independence and daily functioning. It includes cognitive deterioration, disturbances in language, psychological and psychiatric changes. A challenging behavioral symptom associated with dementia is agitation, which can manifest verbal outbursts, physical aggression, and restlessness. Understanding the effectiveness of antipsychotics versus nonpharmacological treatments, such as a Snoezelen room and music therapy, are crucial towards the treatment of agitation in people with dementia.
Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of pharmaceutical versus non-pharmaceutical treatments in elderly patients with dementia exhibiting signs of agitated behavior using the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI).
Methods: A quasi-experimental design will be used to compare the effects of antipsychotic medications to non-pharmacological interventions on the reduction of agitated behaviors within 12 weeks in a long-term facility. The Cohen Mansfield Agitation Inventory will be used to measure the effectiveness of agitation. To control bias, the Mini-Mental State Examination and the Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living will be used. The study will be conducted on two separate skilled nursing facilities that contain a memory care unit, Unit A and Unit B. Unit A will undergo non-pharmacological interventions such as Snoezelen therapy and music protocols. Unit B will be given 2 to 3 mg of brexpiprazole daily.
Conclusion: The anticipated benefit of this research is to collect a better understanding on the effectiveness of antipsychotic medications versus non-pharmacological interventions. Antipsychotic medication has shown to have an increase in mortality rates, strokes, and cardiovascular events. Using non-pharmacological interventions increases a person-centered care culture, are safer, and have shown more effectiveness in decreasing agitation.
Recommended Citation
Riblet, Isaac Cooper, "Pharmacological Versus Non-Pharmacological Treatment of Agitation in Patients with Dementia" (2026). ONU Student Research Colloquium. 45.
https://digitalcommons.onu.edu/student_research_colloquium/2026/Posters/45
Open Access
Available to all.
Pharmacological Versus Non-Pharmacological Treatment of Agitation in Patients with Dementia
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Problem: Dementia is a neurocognitive disorder that results from neurodegenerative or non-neurodegenerative manifestations leading to a decline in a patient’s independence and daily functioning. It includes cognitive deterioration, disturbances in language, psychological and psychiatric changes. A challenging behavioral symptom associated with dementia is agitation, which can manifest verbal outbursts, physical aggression, and restlessness. Understanding the effectiveness of antipsychotics versus nonpharmacological treatments, such as a Snoezelen room and music therapy, are crucial towards the treatment of agitation in people with dementia.
Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of pharmaceutical versus non-pharmaceutical treatments in elderly patients with dementia exhibiting signs of agitated behavior using the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI).
Methods: A quasi-experimental design will be used to compare the effects of antipsychotic medications to non-pharmacological interventions on the reduction of agitated behaviors within 12 weeks in a long-term facility. The Cohen Mansfield Agitation Inventory will be used to measure the effectiveness of agitation. To control bias, the Mini-Mental State Examination and the Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living will be used. The study will be conducted on two separate skilled nursing facilities that contain a memory care unit, Unit A and Unit B. Unit A will undergo non-pharmacological interventions such as Snoezelen therapy and music protocols. Unit B will be given 2 to 3 mg of brexpiprazole daily.
Conclusion: The anticipated benefit of this research is to collect a better understanding on the effectiveness of antipsychotic medications versus non-pharmacological interventions. Antipsychotic medication has shown to have an increase in mortality rates, strokes, and cardiovascular events. Using non-pharmacological interventions increases a person-centered care culture, are safer, and have shown more effectiveness in decreasing agitation.