Effect of aromatherapy massage on agitation and depressive mood in individuals with dementia

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16 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The current study examined the effects of aromatherapy massage on alleviating agitation and depressive mood in individuals with dementia. A randomized controlled trial and repeated measures design was conducted. A total of 59 participants were randomly assigned to intervention or control groups. The intervention group received aromatherapy massage once per week for 8 weeks. Results indicated no significant changes over time in overall agitation for either group, but agitation decreased from Week 1 to Week 5 for the intervention group. In addition, the overall depressive symptoms decreased significantly over time for the intervention group compared to the control group (p < 0.001). However, changes in agitation within 24 hours following aromatherapy massage showed some significant changes in Weeks 5 and 9. Aromatherapy massage can be an effective and safe intervention to alleviate specific agitated behaviors and depressive mood in individuals with dementia.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)38-46
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of gerontological nursing
Volume42
Issue number9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2016

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Nursing
  • Gerontology

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