Special Care Units for Demented Patients: A Multicenter Study
The GerontologistPublished 1 August 1998Open access
Giuseppe Bellelli, Giovanni B. Frisoni, Angelo Bianchetti, Stefano Boffelli, Gianbattista Guerrini, Anna Maria Scotuzzi
Citations60
SJR quartileQ1
SJR score1.82
SNIP1.88
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TL;DR
Data show an overall reduction in behavioral disturbances and a decreased use of psychotropic drugs and physical restraints in demented patients with behavioral disturbances in special care units.
Abstract
The local government of Regione Lombardia, Italy, recently (1994) funded a clinical and research project specifically devoted to dementia (Piano Alzheimer). A central role in this project has been reserved for the special care units (SCUs) for demented patients with behavioral disturbances. In order to evaluate their effectiveness, eight SCUs took part in this study. A specifically designed care program, focusing on environment and staff, was implemented in each SCU. Cognitive, functional, and somatic health status, and use of psychotropic drugs and of physical restraints were assessed at baseline, and after 3 and 6 months in 55 consecutively admitted patients. The data show an overall reduction in behavioral disturbances and a decreased use of psychotropic drugs and physical restraints.
Keywords
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