SINGLE-CASE EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTS OF AROMATHERAPY AND MASSAGE ON DISTURBED BEHAVIOR IN SEVERE DEMENTIA

Aromatherapy and massage could provide a useful addition to psychologi cal therapeutic interventions with clients suffering from dementia. Th e effects of aromatherapy and massage on disturbed behaviour in four i ndividuals with severe dementia were evaluated using a single-case res earch design. Each participant received 10 treatment sessions of aroma therapy, aromatherapy and massage combined, and massage alone. The eff ects on each individual's behaviour in the hour following treatment we re assessed against 10 'no treatment' control sessions. Reliable indiv idualized disturbed behaviour scales were designed. The effects of the treatments were mixed. The opinion of the staff providing treatment w as that all participants benefited. On close scrutiny, only one of the participants benefited from the aromatherapy and massage to a degree that reached statistical significance. In two of the cases aromatherap y and massage led to an increase in agitated behaviour. The importance of the single case study approach with this client group is discussed .