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. 2006 Oct 18;2006(4):CD004989.
doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD004989.pub2.

Massage and touch for dementia

N Viggo Hansen  1 , T Jørgensen, L Ørtenblad
Affiliations

Massage and touch for dementia

N Viggo Hansen et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. .

Abstract

Background: Massage and touch have been suggested as a non-pharmacological alternative or supplement to other treatments offered in order to reduce or manage a range of conditions associated with dementia such as anxiety, agitated behaviour and depression. It has also been suggested that massage and touch may counteract cognitive decline.

Objectives: To assess the effects of a range of massage and touch therapies on conditions associated with dementia, such as anxiety, agitated behaviour and depression, identify any adverse effects, and provide recommendations about future trials.

Search strategy: We identified trials from a search of the Specialized Register of the Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group on 12 July 2005 using the terms massage, reflexology, touch and shiatsu. This Register contains records from all major healthcare databases and many ongoing trials databases and is updated regularly. In addition, general and specific literature databases were searched and patient and therapist organizations contacted.

Selection criteria: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in which a massage or touch intervention was given to persons suffering from dementia of any type, compared with other treatments or no treatment, and in which effect parameters included measures of behavioural problems, caregiver burden, emotional distress or cognitive abilities, were eligible for inclusion. Furthermore, we employed a set of minimal methodological quality criteria as a selection filter.

Data collection and analysis: We identified 34 references in the initial searches. Of these, seven were actual or possible RCTs, but only two were found to meet the requirements of the set of minimal methodological criteria.

Main results: The very limited amount of reliable evidence available is in favour of massage and touch interventions for problems associated with dementia. However, this evidence addresses only two specific applications: hand massage for the immediate or short-term reduction of agitated behaviour, and the addition of touch to verbal encouragement to eat for the normalization of nutritional intake. The existing evidence does not support general conclusions about the effect or possible side effects of such interventions. No severe side effects were identified.

Authors' conclusions: Massage and touch may serve as alternatives or complements to other therapies for the management of behavioural, emotional and perhaps other conditions associated with dementia. More research is needed, however, to provide definitive evidence about the benefits of these interventions.

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Conflict of interest statement

None known

Figures

Analysis 1.1
Analysis 1.1
Comparison 1 Massage vs no massage, Outcome 1 mean agitation score ‐ during treatment.
Analysis 1.2
Analysis 1.2
Comparison 1 Massage vs no massage, Outcome 2 mean agitation score ‐ immediately after treatment.
Analysis 1.3
Analysis 1.3
Comparison 1 Massage vs no massage, Outcome 3 mean agitation score ‐ 1 hr after treatment.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Update of

  • doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD004989

References

References to studies included in this review

    1. Eaton M, Mitchell Bonair IL, Friedmann E. The effect of touch on nutritional intake of chronic organic brain syndrome patients. Journals of Gerontology 1986;41(5):611‐6. - PubMed
    1. Remington R. Calming music and hand massage with agitated elderly. Nursing Resources 2002;51(5):317‐323. - PubMed

References to studies excluded from this review

    1. Bowles EJ, Griffiths DM, Quirk L, Brownrigg A, Croot K. Effects of essential oils and touch on resistance to nursing care procedures and other dementia‐related behaviours in a residential care facility. International Journal of Aromatherapy 2002;12(1):22‐9.
    1. Giasson M, Leroux G, Tardif H, Bouchard L. Therapeutic touch. L'Infirmiere du Quebec 1999;6(6):38‐47. - PubMed
    1. Scherder E, Bouma A, Steen L. Effects of Simultaneously Applied Short‐Term Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve‐Stimulation and Tactile Stimulation on Memory and Affective Behavior of Patients with Probable Alzheimers‐Disease. Behavioural Neurology 1995;8(1):3‐13. - PubMed
    1. Scherder E, Bouma A, Steen L. The effects of peripheral tactile stimulation on memory in patients with probable Alzheimer's disease. American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease 1995;May/June:15‐21.
    1. Scherder E, Bouma A, Steen L. Effects of peripheral tactile nerve stimulation of affective behavior of patients with probable Alzheimer's disease.. American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease 1998;March/April:15‐21.

Additional references

    1. Alderson P, Green S, Higgins JPT, editors. Cochrane Reviewers’ Handbook 4.2.2 [updated December 2003]. The Cochrane Library 2004, Issue 1.
    1. Anon. Aromatherapy trial. Journal of Dementia Care 2001i;9(6):38.
    1. Anon. Alert / early warning [Mjuk massage vid demenssjukdom]. National Swedish MTA Institute2003.
    1. Armstrong L, Wright A. Communication in day care: talking without words. Journal of Dementia Care 2002;10(5):18‐19.
    1. Aveyard B, Sykes M, Doherty D. Therapeutic touch in dementia care. Nurs Older People 2002;14(6):20‐21. - PubMed

References to other published versions of this review

    1. Viggo Hansen N, Jørgensen T, Ørtenblad L. Massage and touch for dementia. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2006, Issue 4. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004989.pub2] - DOI - PMC - PubMed

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