Agitated Behaviors in the Elderly: I. A Conceptual Review
Abstract
Agitation is a significant problem for the elderly, their families, and their caretakers. Although much of the literature on agitation is pharmacologic in nature, several papers demonstrate demographic and environmental approaches to the problem. The literature review accentuates the gaps in both assessment and knowledge of the phenomenon. A conceptual framework and a rigorous methodology need to be developed for studying agitation. On these bases, research could explore the manifestations of agitation and the frequency of occurrence, predisposing factors for agitation, precipitating factors which trigger agitation, consequences of agitation for the elderly and for their caretakers, and the efficacy of alternative interventions. This paper proposes a definition of agitation and develops an initial conceptual framework in which to examine it.
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One study testing a mixed psychosocial intervention, including massage and promoting residents' activities of daily living skills, did not find agitation improved significantly compared with the control group.
“One study testing a mixed psychosocial intervention, including massage and promoting residents' activities of daily living skills, did not find agitation improved significantly compared with the control group. 52”
From Non-pharmacological interventions for agitation in dementia: systematic review of randomised controlled trials (2014) · cites this paper as [52]
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- Authors
- Cohen‐Mansfield, J., & Billig, N.
- Affiliations
- Hebrew Home of Greater Washington (US)
- Corresponding author
- Cohen‐Mansfield, Jiska
- Venue
- Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Published
- 1986-10
- Volume
- 34
- Issue
- 10
- Pages
- 711-721
- ISSN
- 0002-8614 (ISSN-L)
- 1532-5415
- OpenAlex
- W1993616406
- Cited by
- 717
- References
- 27
- Citations by year
- 2026: 8 · 2025: 7 · 2024: 9 · 2023: 12 · 2022: 12 · 2021: 20 · 2020: 24 · 2019: 19 · 2018: 26 · 2017: 18 · 2016: 28 · 2015: 13 · 2014: 29 · 2013: 21 · 2012: 18
- FWCI
- 1.47
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Journal of the American Geriatrics Society (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Dementia and Cognitive Impairment Research
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Aging, Health, and Disability
- Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Geriatric Care and Nursing Homes
- Keywords
- agitation, older adults, behavioral problems, conceptual framework, predisposing factors, precipitating factors, caregiver burden
- MeSH terms
- Aged, Aggression, Humans, Irritable Mood, Psychomotor Agitation, Stereotyped Behavior
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