Alzheimer's Disease Research
Slow-Stroke Massage

Slow-stroke massage relieves physical agitation in Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurological disorder characterised by a loss of memory, speechlessness and paralysis. Often linked to this is agitated behaviour, which is either endured or unsuccessfully treated with chemical or physical restraints. However, these treatments markedly increase the stress levels on those providing care for the patient so another type of solution would be welcomed by carers.

The lack of available treatments prompted researchers at the University of Texas USA to carry out a slow-stroke massage on out-patients with Alzheimer’s disease The aim was to monitor the character and frequency of agitation using two highly correlated instruments, the Agitated Behaviour Rating Scale Scoring Guide and the Brief Behaviour Symptom Rating Scale.

The researchers found that patients' agitated behaviour increased from dawn to dusk. The patients most frequently displayed a verbal form of agitation which was not helped or diffused by the slow-stroke massage. However, the study revealed that the more physical aspects of the agitation, such as pacing, wandering, and resisting did significantly decrease after the slow-stroke massage was carried out.

This study contributes to understanding the agitation phenomenon experienced in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and helps assess the associated factors as well as the long-term management of patients suffering with this condition.

Source : J Gerontol Nurs 1999 Jun;25(6):22-34
The effectiveness of slow-stroke massage in diffusing agitated behaviours in individuals with Alzheimer's disease.
Rowe M, Alfred D

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