Effect of doll therapy in managing challenging behaviors in people with dementia: a systematic review

Review question/objective What is the effect of doll therapy on challenging behaviors (including agitation and verbal or physical aggression) in patients with dementia? Inclusion criteria Types of participants Adults (age >18years) diagnosed with dementia and living in any care setting will be included. Adults with dementia receiving antipsychotics will also be included and analyzed separately. Types of intervention(s)/phenomena of interest This review will include studies that evaluate the effects of giving dolls to persons with dementia for the management of BPSD. The review will include doll therapy delivered by either health professionals or carers. Studies will be included irrespective of the number and duration of doll therapy sessions. Studies will be excluded if the approach to giving dolls is not described. The following comparisons will be made: Doll therapy versus no intervention Doll therapy versus other non-pharmacological interventions Doll therapy versus pharmacological interventions. Studies that use other toys such as teddy bears and mechanised pets will be excluded. Types of outcomes The primary outcomes of interest are changes in challenging behaviors measured using validated scales or through observation, and will include: Agitation Verbal aggression Physical aggression Secondary outcomes may include: Interaction with staff. Interaction with other patients/residents Level of activity Quality of life.