[Nonpharmacological treatments: their influence on quality of life of people with dementia and possible impacts by corresponding instruments. A systematic review of literature].

Nonpharmacological treatments can improve the quality of life of people with dementia. The objective of this review is to evaluate the effects of nonpharmacological treatments on quality of life and to analyze corresponding instruments by performing a systematic review of the literature. Candidate studies were first identified by searches of electronic databases. In a second step, additional studies were identified by existing reviews and meta-analysis. A total of 215 studies were collected, of which 51 trials and long-term studies were selected. Most publications were in English. The number of study participants ranged from 6-487, and intervention duration varied from a few hours up to 3.5 years. A positive effect on quality of life was shown in 33 treatments, whereas 12 treatments had no significant effects. Three other interventions had even negative results on quality of life, while 3 further trials showed positive as well as negative effects.