Researchers completed a study seeking out barriers to the implementation of non pharmacological interventions for patients with dementia by nursing home staff. To better recognize and understand these barriers and to in hopes of providing a stronger evidence base for cultural change, researchers elicited nursing staff, recreational therapists, activity personnel and medical directors in a study titled “Its About Time: Use of Nonpharmacological Interventions in the Nursing Home.”
Problem Statement
Dementia is one of the most common diagnoses on the rise amongst the geriatric population. Alzheimer’s The most common form of dementia is Alzheimers, affecting well over 5 million people nationally. Institutionalization is common amongst this population as the disease begins to progress, typically bringing on behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) including agitation, aggression and depression. This population is recognized as vulnerable and fragile, both mentally and physically. Many frequently have physical comorbidities along with dementia. This issue of suffering from comorbidities brings on the prescribing of multiple medications, which over time interact and accelerate their functional decline (Kolanowski, Fick, Frazer, Penrod, 2009).
Due to the lack of beneficial effects when weighted against both short and long term adverse effects of various medications used to treat BPSD, majority of practice guidelines advocate for non-pharmacological approaches to be used as the first line of treatment of BPSD. The effects resulting from prescribing medications such as neuroleptics, antidepressants, benzodiazepines, mood stabilizers to dementia patients can include parkinsonism, sedation, oedema, chest infections, cognitive deterioration,...