Effects of manual massage given by family caregivers for patients with dementia: A preliminary investigation

Abstract

Objectives: To explore the effects of a 10-week manual massage intervention given by caregivers of patients with dementia on the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) and caregiver burden.

Methods: Twelve pairs of participants-patients with dementia and their family caregivers-were recruited. Before the intervention, caregivers received a four-hour full body manual massage training course. Thereafter, the caregivers gave a 30-min massage to the patients once a week for a 10-week period. The Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia, Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory, and Zarit Burden Scale were administered pre- and post-intervention.

Results: Total scores on all questionnaires significantly decreased after the intervention (p < .05). Moreover, two subscale scores of the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia-behavioral disturbance and physical signs-reduced significantly (p < .05).

Conclusions: This study provides preliminary evidence on the benefits of manual massage given by caregivers for the management of BPSD and caregiver burden.

Keywords: Agitation; BPSD; Burden; Dementia; Massage.