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The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Aug 2020Medications licensed for the treatment of dementia have limited efficacy against cognitive impairment or against the distressed behaviours (behavioural and psychological... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Medications licensed for the treatment of dementia have limited efficacy against cognitive impairment or against the distressed behaviours (behavioural and psychological symptoms, or behaviour that challenges) which are also often the most distressing aspect of the disorder for caregivers. Complementary therapies, including aromatherapy, are attractive to patients, practitioners and families, because they are perceived as being unlikely to cause adverse effects. Therefore there is interest in whether aromatherapy might offer a safe means of alleviating distressed behaviours in dementia.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the efficacy and safety of aromatherapy for people with dementia.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched ALOIS, the Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group Specialized Register, on 5 May 2020 using the terms: aromatherapy, lemon, lavender, rose, aroma, alternative therapies, complementary therapies, essential oils. In addition, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO (all via Ovid SP), Web of Science Core Collection (via Thompson Web of Science), LILACS (via BIREME), CENTRAL (via the Cochrane Library), ClinicalTrials.gov and the World Health Organization (WHO) trials portal (ICTRP) on 5 May 2020.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised controlled trials which compared fragrance from plants in an intervention defined as aromatherapy for people with dementia with placebo aromatherapy or with treatment as usual. All doses, frequencies and fragrances of aromatherapy were considered. Participants in the included studies had a diagnosis of dementia of any subtype and severity.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two reviewers independently selected studies for inclusion, extracted data and assessed risk of bias in included studies, involving other authors to reach consensus decisions where necessary. We did not perform any meta-analyses because of heterogeneity between studies, but presented a narrative synthesis of results from the included trials. Because of the heterogeneity of analysis methods and inadequate or absent reporting of data from some trials, we used statistical significance (P ≤ or > 0.5) as a summary metric when synthesising results across studies. As far as possible, we used GRADE methods to assess our confidence in the results of the trials, downgrading for risk of bias and imprecision.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 13 studies with 708 participants. All participants had dementia and in the 12 trials which described the setting, all were resident in institutional care facilities. Nine trials recruited participants because they had significant agitation or other behavioural and psychological symptoms in dementia (BPSD) at baseline. The fragrances used were lavender (eight studies); lemon balm (four studies); lavender and lemon balm, lavender and orange, and cedar extracts (one study each). For six trials, assessment of risk of bias and extraction of results was hampered by poor reporting. Four of the other seven trials were at low risk of bias in all domains, but all were small (range 18 to 186 participants; median 66), reducing our confidence in the results. Our primary outcomes were agitation, overall behavioural and psychological symptoms, and adverse effects. Ten trials assessed agitation using various scales. Among the five trials for which our confidence in the results was moderate or low, four trials reported no significant effect on agitation and one trial reported a significant benefit of aromatherapy. The other five trials either reported no useable data or our confidence in the results was very low. Eight trials assessed overall BPSD using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory and we had moderate or low confidence in the results of five of them. Of these, four reported significant benefit from aromatherapy and one reported no significant effect. Adverse events were poorly reported or not reported at all in most trials. No more than two trials assessed each of our secondary outcomes of quality of life, mood, sleep, activities of daily living, caregiver burden. We did not find evidence of benefit on these outcomes. Three trials assessed cognition: one did not report any data and the other two trials reported no significant effect of aromatherapy on cognition. Our confidence in the results of these studies was low.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
We have not found any convincing evidence that aromatherapy (or exposure to fragrant plant oils) is beneficial for people with dementia although there are many limitations to the data. Conduct or reporting problems in half of the included studies meant that they could not contribute to the conclusions. Results from the other studies were inconsistent. Harms were very poorly reported in the included studies. In order for clear conclusions to be drawn, better design and reporting and consistency of outcome measurement in future trials would be needed.
Topics: Aromatherapy; Behavioral Symptoms; Bias; Dementia; Humans; Oils, Volatile; Psychomotor Agitation; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 32813272
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003150.pub3 -
International Psychogeriatrics Jun 2021Nursing home residents with dementia are sensitive to detrimental auditory environments. This paper presents the first literature review of empirical research...
OBJECTIVES
Nursing home residents with dementia are sensitive to detrimental auditory environments. This paper presents the first literature review of empirical research investigating (1) the (perceived) intensity and sources of sounds in nursing homes, and (2) the influence of sounds on health of residents with dementia and staff.
DESIGN
A systematic review was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus. Study quality was assessed with the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. We used a narrative approach to present the results.
RESULTS
We included 35 studies. Nine studies investigated sound intensity and reported high noise intensity with an average of 55-68 dB(A) (during daytime). In four studies about sound sources, human voices and electronic devices were the most dominant sources. Five cross-sectional studies focused on music interventions and reported positives effects on agitated behaviors. Four randomized controlled trials tested noise reduction as part of an intervention. In two studies, high-intensity sounds were associated with decreased nighttime sleep and increased agitation. The third study found an association between music and less agitation compared to other stimuli. The fourth study did not find an effect of noise on agitation. Two studies reported that a noisy environment had negative effects on staff.
CONCLUSIONS
The need for appropriate auditory environments that are responsive to residents' cognitive abilities and functioning is not yet recognized widely. Future research needs to place greater emphasis on intervention-based and longitudinal study design.
Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Dementia; Female; Homes for the Aged; Humans; Male; Noise; Nursing Homes; Psychomotor Agitation; Quality of Life; Sleep
PubMed: 32594932
DOI: 10.1017/S1041610220000952 -
The Journal of International Medical... Jun 2020The sedative effects of dexmedetomidine (Dex) are similar to natural sleep, with easy wakening following Dex administration, and Dex has minor effects on breathing,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
The sedative effects of dexmedetomidine (Dex) are similar to natural sleep, with easy wakening following Dex administration, and Dex has minor effects on breathing, reducing emergence agitation in children. The aim of this study was to systematically evaluate the effects of Dex on recovery quality in children following general anaesthesia with sevoflurane, to aid clinical decision making.
METHODS
Relevant randomized controlled trials published before August 2019 were searched and selected from databases. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and assessed included studies for bias risk. Meta-analysis was performed using Stata 14.0 software.
RESULTS
The study included 24 publications. Following general anaesthesia by sevoflurane, Dex was associated with reduced occurrence of emergence agitation (odds ratio [OR] 0.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.11, 0.25) and nausea and vomiting (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.24, 0.60), along with shortened eye-opening time (standardized mean difference [SMD] 0.72, 95% CI 0.41, 1.03), shortened extubation time (SMD 0.54, 95% CI 0.28, 0.81), and reduced duration of post-anaesthesia care unit (PACU) stay (SMD 0.29, 95% CI 0.08, 0.51) versus placebo.
CONCLUSION
Dexmedetomidine has positive effects on recovery quality in children undergoing general anaesthesia with sevoflurane.
Topics: Anesthesia Recovery Period; Anesthesia, General; Anesthetics, Inhalation; Child; Child, Preschool; China; Dexmedetomidine; Female; Humans; Hypnotics and Sedatives; Male; Methyl Ethers; Propofol; Psychomotor Agitation; Sevoflurane
PubMed: 32583698
DOI: 10.1177/0300060520927530 -
European Neuropsychopharmacology : the... Jun 2020Iron homeostasis may be implicated in the pathophysiology of antipsychotic-related akathisia. We performed a systematic review in six databases from database inception... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Iron homeostasis may be implicated in the pathophysiology of antipsychotic-related akathisia. We performed a systematic review in six databases from database inception until 03/2020, conducting a meta-analysis of studies investigating iron metabolism in antipsychotic-treated patients with versus without akathisia. Using a fixed- and a random-effects model, standardized mean difference (SMD) was estimated for levels of iron, ferritin, transferrin and total iron-binding capacity. Meta-regression analyses included sex, age, illness duration and antipsychotic treatment and dose. Subgroup analyses included chronic vs. acute akathisia and different diagnoses. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. In 10 studies (n = 395), compared to non-akathisia patients (n = 213), iron levels were lower in patients with akathisia (n = 182; fixed-effect model: SMD=-0.49, 95%CI=-0.28,-0.70, p<0.001; random-effects model: SMD=-0.55, 95%CI=-0.14,-0.96, p = 0.008). For secondary outcomes, differences were significant regarding lower ferritin levels in patients with akathisia in the fixed-effect model (SMD=-0.32, 95%CI=-0.08,-0.55, p = 0.007), but not in the random-effects model (SMD=-0.29, 95%CI=0.20,-0.79, p = 0.24). None of the moderators/mediators had a significant effect on the group difference of iron levels. Subgroup analyses reported lower iron levels in both patients with chronic and acute akathisia vs. patients without. Iron levels for schizophrenia patients were lower in the fixed-effect model (SMD=-0.55, 95%CI=-0.23, -0.86, p<0.001), while a trend was observed in the random-effects model (SMD=-0.52, 95%CI=-0.07, -1.12, p = 0.08). The studies' quality was overall poor, with one exception. This meta-analysis suggests lower iron levels in akathisia patients, while ferritin differences were significant only in the fixed-effect model. Further data are required to promote the understanding of related pathways.
Topics: Akathisia, Drug-Induced; Antipsychotic Agents; Cross-Sectional Studies; Homeostasis; Humans; Iron; Observational Studies as Topic; Risk Factors; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 32444336
DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2020.04.001 -
Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics 2020The neuroprotective effect of valproic acid has been observed in the animal models of neurodegeneration, which suggests it as a potential candidate for clinical trials.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
The neuroprotective effect of valproic acid has been observed in the animal models of neurodegeneration, which suggests it as a potential candidate for clinical trials. In this paper, we aimed to systematically analyze the efficacy and safety of valproic acid in the treatment of dementia.
METHODS
We searched the electronic databases PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and China National Knowledge Infrastructure until March 2020 for the eligible randomized controlled trials, as well as the unpublished and ongoing trials. We pooled the results using a random-effects model.
RESULTS
We included seven studies with 770 randomized patients with dementia, which compared valproic acid with placebo. Indeed, there were no significant differences found in the scores of Mini-mental State Examination, Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory and number of patients with adverse events. Valproic acid is generally well-tolerated in patients with dementia, even in long-term therapy for 24 months.
CONCLUSION
Insufficient evidences are found to support valproic acid in the treatment of dementia for cognitive, psychiatric symptoms or disease-modifying. The anticipations for a success in the trial of valproic acid for dementia in the future look not optimistic based on the available evidence.
Topics: Dementia; Enzyme Inhibitors; Humans; Psychomotor Agitation; Valproic Acid
PubMed: 32413690
DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2020.104091 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Apr 2020Dementia is a common and serious neuropsychiatric syndrome, characterised by progressive cognitive and functional decline. The majority of people with dementia develop...
BACKGROUND
Dementia is a common and serious neuropsychiatric syndrome, characterised by progressive cognitive and functional decline. The majority of people with dementia develop behavioural disturbances, also known as behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Several non-pharmacological interventions have been evaluated to treat BPSD in people with dementia. Simulated presence therapy (SPT), an intervention that uses video or audiotape recordings of family members played to the person with dementia, is a possible approach to treat BPSD.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effects of SPT on behavioural and psychological symptoms and quality of life in people with dementia.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched ALOIS (the Specialised Register of the Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group), CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library) (9 April 2020), MEDLINE Ovid SP (1946 to 9 April 2020), Embase Ovid SP (1972 to 9 April 2020), PsycINFO Ovid SP (1806 to 9 April 2020), CINAHL via EBSCOhost (1980 to 9 April 2020), LILACS via BIREME (all dates to 9 April 2020), ClinicalTrials.gov (ClinicalTrials.gov) (all dates to 9 April 2020), and the World Health Organization (WHO) Portal (apps.who.int/trialsearch) (all dates to 9 April 2020). We also checked the reference lists of relevant articles to identify any additional studies.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials, including cross-over studies, that evaluated the efficacy of SPT, consisting of personalised audio or videotape recordings of family members, in people with any form of dementia.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two authors independently selected studies, assessed risk of bias and extracted data. No meta-analyses were conducted because of substantial heterogeneity among the included studies.
MAIN RESULTS
Three trials with 144 participants met the inclusion criteria. Two of the trials had a randomised cross-over design, one was a cross-over trial which we classified as quasi-randomised. Participants in the included studies were people with dementia living in nursing homes. They were predominantly women and had a mean age of over 80 years. SPT was performed using an audio or video recording prepared by family members or surrogates. It varied in its content, frequency of administration and duration. All the studies compared multiple treatments. In one study, SPT was compared with two other interventions; in the other two studies, it was compared with three other interventions. Specifically, SPT was compared to usual care, personalised music (two studies), a 'placebo' audiotape containing the voice of a person (two studies), and one-to-one social interaction performed by trained research assistants (one study). In terms of outcomes evaluated, one study considered agitation and withdrawn behaviour (both assessed with three methods); the second study evaluated verbal disruptive behaviour (assessed with three methods); and the third study evaluated physically agitated behaviour and verbally agitated behaviour (the method used was not clearly described). According to the GRADE criteria, the overall quality of the evidence was very low due to very small numbers of participants and risk of bias in the included studies; (none of the trials was at low risk of selection bias; all the trials were at high risk of performance bias; one trial was at high risk of attrition bias; and all had unclear selective reporting). Because of variation in the participants, the format of SPT, the comparison interventions, and the measures used to assess outcomes, we judged the results unsuitable for a meta-analysis. Within each trial, the effect of SPT on behaviour, compared to usual care, was mixed and depended on the measure used. Two trials which included a personalised music intervention reported no significant differences between simulated presence and music on behavioural outcomes. Because the overall quality of the evidence was very low, we were very uncertain regarding all the results None of the studies evaluated quality of life or any of our secondary outcome measures (performance of activities of daily living, dropout and carer burden).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
We were unable to draw any conclusions about the efficacy of SPT for treating behavioural and psychological symptoms and improving quality of life of people with dementia. New high-quality studies are needed to investigate the effect of SPT.
Topics: Aged, 80 and over; Dementia; Depression; Family; Female; Humans; Male; Psychomotor Agitation; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Tape Recording; Videotape Recording
PubMed: 32311774
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD011882.pub3 -
American Journal of Therapeutics 2020The systematic reviews and meta-analyses performed until now did not provide the adequate picture of actual knowledge in the field of neuropsychiatric symptoms treatment... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The systematic reviews and meta-analyses performed until now did not provide the adequate picture of actual knowledge in the field of neuropsychiatric symptoms treatment using psychotropic cannabinoids in patients with Alzheimer disease (AD).
THE STUDY QUESTION
Which is the level of evidence, from quantitative and qualitative point of view, concerning the efficacy and safety of the treatment with psychotropic cannabinoids of neuropsychiatric symptoms in AD?
STUDY DESIGN
PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Google Scholar Data, and Clinicaltrials.gov were searched for randomized clinical trials with cannabinoids in Alzheimer dementia agitation and aggression.
MEASURES AND OUTCOMES
The rationale, the objectives, and the methods used for searching the trials have been established according to PRISMA Criteria 2009.
RESULTS
The total number of patients in the 9 publications evaluated in this study, which included data from 6 clinical trials, was 422 patients-treatments, where treatment was a psychoactive cannabinoid or placebo, some of them obtained by multiplying selected patients with the number of cannabinoid treatments in the crossover studies. There are multiple sources of bias in the analyzed studies; 2 elements have prevented conclusive results. One element was polypragmazia, a major role being played by the use of psychotropic drugs other than cannabinoids, in an effort to reduce agitation and aggressive behavior. The second one was the large number of concomitant symptoms, for example, pain (commonly causing anxiety and agitation).
CONCLUSIONS
No clear conclusion can be drawn on the effectiveness of psychoactive cannabinoids in the treatment of psychiatric manifestations, in particular agitation and aggression, in AD. In the future, large randomized controlled trial with adequate designs, without crossover and for longer duration, adapted to cannabinoid pharmacokinetics, is required to establish the real efficacy and safety of these drugs in aggressive and/or agitated patients with AD.
Topics: Aggression; Alzheimer Disease; Anxiety; Cannabinoids; Humans; Psychomotor Agitation; Psychotropic Drugs; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 32118591
DOI: 10.1097/MJT.0000000000001120 -
Journal of Clinical Nursing Jul 2022To evaluate the effectiveness of horticultural therapy on cognitive function, agitation, positive emotion and engagement in people with dementia. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the effectiveness of horticultural therapy on cognitive function, agitation, positive emotion and engagement in people with dementia.
BACKGROUND
The number of people with dementia is increasing rapidly, and nonpharmacological interventions such as horticultural therapy have been recommended as the first choice for these patients. Horticultural therapy involves participatory and ornamental horticultural therapy. Many original studies have examined the effectiveness of horticultural therapy in the last two decades. However, these studies vary in types of interventions, outcomes and measurement.
DESIGN
A quantitative systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
This systematic review was conducted under PRISMA guidelines. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental studies involving horticultural therapy for people with dementia were included. Risk of bias was assessed by the Cochrane's and Joanna Briggs Institute's tool. Reference lists and a relevant journal were searched. Meta-analyses were conducted using RevMan 5.3. PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, BIOSIS Previews, Web of Science Core Collection, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, SinoMed, Cochrane Library and ProQuest Health & Medical Complete were searched. Studies from database inception to 1 July 2019 were included.
RESULTS
This systematic review included 14 studies (4 RCTs and 10 quasi-experimental studies) involving 411 people with dementia. The results of meta-analyses indicated that significant differences were found in the effectiveness of participatory horticultural therapy on total score of cognitive function, agitation, positive emotion and engagement, but not in the effectiveness of ornamental horticultural activities on agitation and positive emotion.
CONCLUSIONS
The existing evidence supports the effectiveness of participatory horticultural therapy on cognitive function, agitation, positive emotion and engagement. Future high-quality original studies are needed to draw more robust conclusions.
RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE
The results support the use of participatory horticultural therapy for improving cognitive function, agitation, positive emotion and engagement of people with dementia.
Topics: China; Cognition; Dementia; Horticultural Therapy; Humans; Psychomotor Agitation
PubMed: 32017241
DOI: 10.1111/jocn.15204 -
Psychopharmacology May 2020What is the difference between aripiprazole and brexpiprazole? (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis
RATIONALE
What is the difference between aripiprazole and brexpiprazole?
OBJECTIVES
This systematic review, network meta-analysis of randomized trials evaluated the efficacy and safety/tolerability of aripiprazole and brexpiprazole for treating acute schizophrenia.
METHODS
We searched Scopus, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library from inception until May 22, 2019. The response rate was set as the primary outcome. Other outcomes were discontinuation rate and incidence of individual adverse events. The risk ratio (RR) and 95% credible interval (95%CrI) were calculated.
RESULTS
Fourteen studies were identified (n = 3925). Response rates of both aripiprazole and brexpiprazole were superior to that of the placebo (RR [95%CrI]: aripiprazole = 0.84 [0.78, 0.92], brexpiprazole = 0.84 [0.77, 0.92]). Aripiprazole and brexpiprazole were associated with a lower incidence of all-cause discontinuation (0.80 [0.71, 0.89], 0.83 [0.72, 0.95]), adverse events (0.67 [0.47, 0.97], 0.64 [0.46, 0.94]), and inefficacy (0.56 [0.40, 0.77], 0.68 [0.48, 0.99]) compared with the placebo. Although brexpiprazole was associated with a lower incidence of schizophrenia as an adverse event compared with the placebo (0.57 [0.37, 0.85]), aripiprazole and brexpiprazole were associated with a higher incidence of weight gain compared with the placebo (2.12 [1.28, 3.68], 2.14 [1.35, 3.42]). No significant differences were found in other individual adverse events, such as somnolence, akathisia, extrapyramidal symptoms, and dizziness between aripiprazole or brexpiprazole and placebo. Any outcome between aripiprazole and brexpiprazole were not different.
CONCLUSIONS
Differences in short-term efficacy and safety for acute schizophrenia were not apparent between aripiprazole and brexpiprazole. Future studies are warranted to evaluate whether there are differences in the long-term outcome between treatments.
Topics: Acute Disease; Akathisia, Drug-Induced; Antipsychotic Agents; Aripiprazole; Humans; Network Meta-Analysis; Quinolones; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Schizophrenia; Thiophenes; Weight Gain
PubMed: 32002559
DOI: 10.1007/s00213-020-05472-5 -
Journal of Critical Care Apr 2020Use systematic review methodology to summarize risk factors and outcomes for each delirium subtype (hypoactive, hyperactive and mixed) in an adult ICU population.
PURPOSE
Use systematic review methodology to summarize risk factors and outcomes for each delirium subtype (hypoactive, hyperactive and mixed) in an adult ICU population.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We searched the MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, SCOPUS, Web of Science and PsycINFO databases from database inception until August 13, 2018, with no restrictions.
RESULTS
Of 9635 abstracts, 20 studies were included. Older age was not associated with any delirium subtype in 4/7 (57%) studies. Sex was not associated with any delirium subtype in 4/4 (100%) studies. Mortality was consistently associated with hypoactive delirium in 4/7 (57%) studies. The evidence supporting the association of APACHE-II score, mechanical ventilation, length of stay, duration of delirium and removal of tubes were inconsistent across studies.
CONCLUSIONS
Although included studies reported on many subtype-specific risk factors and outcomes, heterogeneity in reporting and methodological quality limited the generalizability of the results and the evidence for many subtype-specific risk factors or outcomes is inconsistent across studies. Standardized methodology and the creation of a universal template for collecting data in ICU delirium studies are essential moving forward; helping to identify subtype-specific risk factors or outcomes and strengthen the association of potential risk factors or outcomes.
Topics: Aged; Critical Care; Delirium; Female; Humans; Intensive Care Units; Length of Stay; Male; Middle Aged; Psychomotor Agitation; Respiration, Artificial; Risk Factors; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 31986369
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrc.2020.01.017