What is it about?
Nearly all people diagnosed with dementia will experience non-memory related symptoms such as agitation, aggression, depression and other psychiatric and behavioral symptoms. Medications used to treat these challenging symptoms are often ineffective and dangerous to older adults. This review explores the potential of innovative therapy options including acupuncture and acupressure, collectively known as acutherapy for treating these distressing symptoms.
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Why is it important?
Psychiatric and behavioral symptoms of dementia are costly to not only those diagnosed, but also family members, caregivers and communities. Safe and effective alternative and complementary therapies are needed to help alleviate the many financial and personal burdens associated with these symptoms.
Perspectives
So many of us act as caregivers for older adults diagnosed with dementia and may be experiencing the many burdens associated with these challenging symptoms. It is my hope that this article may be used to improve the lives of this vulnerable population, their family members, friends and caregivers by advancing the exposure of this innovative treatment option for symptoms of dementia.
Melissa Harris
University of Michigan
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Acupuncture and Acupressure for Dementia Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms: A Scoping Review, Western Journal of Nursing Research, December 2019, SAGE Publications,
DOI: 10.1177/0193945919890552.
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