CHALLENGES IN MANAGING AGGRESSION IN DEMENTIA CARE: A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Abstract

Every year, more and more older adults are diagnosed with dementia. Behavioral changes are observed as dementia progresses, with aggressive behavior being the most challenging. A variety of factors can provoke aggressive behavior in dementia, and cognitive impairment makes it difficult for healthcare professionals to identify the causes and manage aggression or episodes of aggression.
The study aimed to analyze the challenges of managing aggression in dementia care.
Methods: a systematic review of scientific literature was conducted. PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched for recent publications published between 2019 and 2024 using the following search terms: dementia, challenges, aggressive behavior, nurs*, and students. Five studies were included in the systematic review based on inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Results and conclusions: research has shown that nurses and other healthcare professionals face different daily challenges when working with patients with dementia. The most common problems in managing aggressive behavior are the difficulty in recognizing triggers of aggressive behavior, lack of teamwork, lack of time, frequent use of physical restraint, administration of medications, and lack of patient-centered care. Focusing on training professionals in the management of aggression in dementia, patient-centered care, and identification of aggression triggers can help ensure quality care.