"Mãos de Conforto" (Hands of Comfort): A novel non-pharmacological intervention to ease agitation in elderly persons with dementia

Palliat Support Care. 2023 Oct;21(5):946-952. doi: 10.1017/S147895152300007X.

Abstract

Behavioral symptoms associated with dementia, such as agitation, are frequent and associated with well-known negative consequences for patients, their carers, and their environment. Pharmacological treatments for agitation using sedatives and antipsychotics are known to have several undesirable side effects and modest efficacy. Non-pharmacological alternatives are recommended as first-line options for agitation in persons with dementia with few side effects, but there is limited evidence of efficacy. We developed a novel and simple non-pharmacological alternative for agitation in dementia residents based on a Brazilian intervention using warm water surgical gloves used in patients with COVID-19 in intensive care units during the pandemic. We coined it "Mãos de Conforto" - Hands of Comfort. We report a series of 7 cases in 3 residents with dementia who whore Hands of Comfort.

Keywords: Agitation; Dementia; Elderly; Non-pharmacological intervention; Warm water gloves.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antipsychotic Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Anxiety
  • Caregivers
  • Dementia* / complications
  • Dementia* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Hypnotics and Sedatives
  • Psychomotor Agitation / drug therapy
  • Psychomotor Agitation / etiology

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Hypnotics and Sedatives