The effect of expressive physical touch on patients with dementia

This study explored the effect of expressive physical touch with verbalizat ion (EPT/V) on anxiety and dysfunctional behavior in patients with dementia using a one group repeated measures design, The study findings are that (1 ) anxiety is lower immediately following EPT/V and (2) EPT/V causes decreas ing episodes of dysfunctional behavior. Therefore, it behooves caregivers a nd family members to use expressive physical touch and verbalization when c aring for these patients, since it is cost-effective, simple to learn and p ractice and it is most effective in improving and maintaining patient's hig h quality of life. (C) 1999 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights r eserved.