Audio presence intervention for decreasing agitation in people with dementia.

Researchers have demonstrated the utility of various nonpharmacologic interventions in decreasing or preventing agitation in elderly nursing home residents with dementia. Auditory intervention strategies are one behavioral approach. We tested a modified version of simulated presence therapy called audio presence intervention (API). In 28 episodes of agitation among seven residents, API produced a significant decline in agitation level as measured by four items from the Haycox Rating Scale. However, in six episodes (four residents), agitation stayed the same or worsened. The results of this study pose more questions than answers and should stimulate nurse researchers to further investigate auditory intervention for control of agitation elders with dementia.