Assessment and treatment of hoarding in an individual with dementia.

The authors used a reinforcer assessment to evaluate possible interventions for hoarding in an older individual with dementia. The most preferred condition from the assessment (sorting activity) was compared to a staff developed treatment involving item removal and redirection. Hoarding was reduced during both interventions with a greater reduction in the sorting condition. The behavioral reductions were maintained during schedule thinning of social interactions and follow-up.