J Korean Acad Community Health Nurs.  2019 Jun;30(2):183-194. 10.12799/jkachn.2019.30.2.183.

Effects of Aromatherapy on Agitation in Patients with Dementia: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-analysis

• Kim EK
• Park H
• Lee CH
• Park E

• KMID: 2451454
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12799/jkachn.2019.30.2.183

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study is to identify the effects of aromatherapy on agitation in patients with dementia using a meta-analysis and systemic literature review.
METHODS
The EMBASE, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and other databases were searched up to November 2017.
RESULTS
Of 419 publications identified, 12 met inclusion criteria, and 9 studies were used to estimate the effect size of aromatherapy. A total of 837 participants across all studies were included. The commonly applied methods were massage (50%), type of oil lavender (75%), and instrument Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (75%). A medium effect size of aromatherapy on agitation was identified (d=−0.56, I2=65.0%, p=.001). The massage group has lower effect size than the other group (d=−0.98, I2=0.0%, p=.001).
CONCLUSION
Aromatherapy appears to be effective in improving agitation in patients with dementia. However, further studies for home-dwelling patients with dementia and with different types of aroma oil should be conducted in the future. In addition, research with well-designed are needed to assess the effects or aromatherapy on agitation.

Keyword

Aromatherapy; Psychomotor agitation; Dementia; Review; Meta-analysis

MeSH Terms

Aromatherapy*
Dementia*
Dihydroergotamine*
Humans
Lavandula
Massage
Psychomotor Agitation
Dihydroergotamine