Relation of agitation and restlessness among individuals with dementia and analgesic use

Abstract

Many individuals with dementia experience a number of disruptive behaviors such as agitation and restlessness. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of regular administration of analgesic medication to frequency of agitation and restlessness in demented subjects. The Enablement Model provided a conceptual basis for this study (Dawson, Wells & Kline, 1993). A quasi-experimental double blind, cross over research design was used with a convenience sample of 4 adult subjects with dementia. Agitation and restlessness were monitored and recorded 24 hours a day over a six-week period. The frequency of agitated and restless behavior was compared at three time periods; observation, placebo administration and analgesic administration. No significant difference in the number of episodes of agitation or restlessness was found when subjects were given regular doses of analgesic medication. A multi-site study with larger sample size is recommended.