Supporting individuals with dementia requires a holistic approach that goes beyond medication. Non-pharmacological strategies can help manage symptoms, reduce distress, and enhance quality of life. This page provides resources on evidence-based approaches such as music therapy, sensory stimulation, personalized routines, and environmental modifications to support well-being and comfort for individuals living with dementia at home or in community-based settings.

Resources

Bright Light Therapy in Older Adults with Moderate to Very Severe Dementia: Immediate Effects on Behavior, Mood, and Physiological Parameters. (2021). Cibeira, N., Maseda, A., Lorenzo-López, L., González-Abraldes, I., López-López, R., Rodríguez-Villamil, J. L., & Millán-Calenti, J. C. Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland), 9(8), 1065. Available at https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9081065.

  • This study investigated the immediate effects of bright light therapy (BLT) on behavior, mood, and physiological parameters in institutionalized older adults with moderate to severe dementia. Findings showed that 30-minute BLT sessions significantly improved mood, increased relaxation and alertness, positively influenced oxygen saturation and heart rate, and decreased speech-related behaviors.

Efficacy of Aromatherapy Against Behavioral and Psychological Disturbances in People With Dementia: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. (2024). Wang, P.-H., Lin, H.-W., Nguyen, T. T. T., Hu, C.-J., Huang, L.-K., Tam, K.-W., & Kuan, Y.-C. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association. Available at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2024.105199.

  • This systematic review and meta-analysis examined randomized controlled trials involving over 800 patients to assess aromatherapy’s effectiveness in reducing behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Results showed significant reductions in BPSD, particularly in agitation and neuropsychiatric symptoms, with aromatherapy, especially when combined with massage, emerging as a safe and effective nonpharmacologic treatment.

Evidence-Based Guideline: Individualized Music in Persons with Dementia (6th edition). (2019). LaGerdner, G., & Gerdner, L. Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy Open Access, 2. Available at https://doi.org/10.23880/ARTOA-16000104.

  • This is the 6th edition of the Evidence-Based Guideline: Individualized Music for Persons with Dementia (PWD) which offers nearly 30 years of research on using music as a nonpharmacological intervention to reduce anxiety and agitation in dementia care. The guideline emphasizes personalized music tailored to the individual’s preferences and background, with benefits extending to both PWD and caregivers, improving social interactions and overall quality of life.

Evidence-Based Nonpharmacological Practices to Address Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia. (2018). Scales, K., Zimmerman, S., & Miller, S. J. The Gerontologist, 58(suppl_1), S88–S102. Available at https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnx167.

  • This review of nonpharmacological practices for addressing behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSDs) highlights sensory, psychosocial, and structured care approaches as generally safe and requiring minimal to moderate investment. These person-centered practices can be implemented by caregivers in various settings, though some require more detailed protocols for broader, effective adoption.

Implementation of Non-pharmacological Interventions in Dementia Care: Family Caregiver Perspective. (2024). Ross, S. D., Ziegert, N., & Rodriguez, F. S. Home Health Care Management & Practice, 36(1), 20–30. Available at https://doi.org/10.1177/10848223231174226.

  • This study found that family caregivers frequently use non-pharmacological interventions, such as social contact and cognitive activities, to support people with dementia, with positive effects on well-being and enjoyment. However, caregivers face barriers like organizational burden, lack of funding, and insufficient resources, underscoring the need for improved support and access to services to enhance the use of these interventions.

Non-Pharmacologic Interventions for Persons with Dementia. (2017). Berg-Weger, M., & Stewart, D. B. Missouri Medicine, 114(2), 116–119. Available at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6140014/.

  • This study highlights the urgent need for non-pharmacologic interventions to improve quality of life and manage dementia-related symptoms. Evidence-based strategies explored in this study, such as reminiscence therapy, validation therapy, and cognitive stimulation therapy, are shown to be safe, cost-effective, and promising in enhancing cognitive function, mood, and overall well-being for individuals with dementia.

Psychosocial interventions for people with dementia: A synthesis of systematic reviews. (2019). McDermott, O., Charlesworth, G., Hogervorst, E., Stoner, C., Moniz-Cook, E., Spector, A., Csipke, E., & Orrell, M. Aging & Mental Health, 23(4), 393–403. Available at https://doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2017.1423031.

  • This synthesis of systematic reviews evaluates psychosocial interventions for dementia, identifying strong evidence for multi-component exercise and group cognitive stimulation to enhance physical and cognitive functioning, social interaction, and quality of life.