A multimodal non‐pharmacological intervention for persons with dementia in nursing homes: a multicentre randomised controlled trial

Abstract Background Persons with dementia in nursing homes often experience cognitive decline (e.g., memory and visuospatial/construction problems), behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), and impaired activities of daily living. Therefore, comprehensive interventions for this population are needed. We assessed whether a multimodal non‐pharmacological intervention improved cognitive functions, BPSD, and activities of daily living in persons with dementia in nursing homes. Methods This was a multicentre randomised controlled trial. Participants were 40 persons with dementia (38 women) living in four nursing homes (intervention group = 21; control group = 19). The intervention was conducted for 8 weeks, followed by an 8‐week follow‐up. Outcome measures were scores on the Japanese version of the Neurobehavioral Cognitive Status Examination Five and the ABC Dementia Scale. In the analysis, parameters were estimated using Bayesian statistics and a mixed‐effects linear regression model for the change in each outcome measure. Results There were significant between‐group differences in changes in ABC Dementia Scale BPSD scores (8‐week: posteriori median = 1.66, 95% Bayesian confidence interval 0.36–3.01; 16‐week: median = 2.37, 95% Bayesian confidence interval 0.05–4.65). There was also a significant between‐group difference in changes in Neurobehavioral Cognitive Status Examination Five constructional ability scores (16‐week: median = 0.93, 95% Bayesian confidence interval 0.35–1.50). Conclusion This intervention may have a maintenance and improvement effect on BPSD in persons with dementia in nursing homes, and a sustained effect on constructional ability post‐intervention. The intervention may be useful and easy to apply in practice.