A Comparison of Two Treatments of Agitated Behavior in Nursing Home Residents With Dementia: Simulated Family Presence and Preferred Music

Participants' better-than-expected responses to the placebo tape suggest that even the simplest technology can improve the lives of confused, disturbed nursing home residents. Of the two psychosocial treatments, preferred music tapes were easier to make and were clearly helpful in many instances. By contrast, family members often struggled to recall enough happy memories to compile a simulated presence tape. Simulated presence might prove just as effective if relatives speak on topics of their own choosing. Although not all residents were helped by these treatments, adverse effects were mild and shortlived.