Contextual elements associated with verbal agitation behaviours manifested by the institutionalized elderly suffering from dementia

This research examines the contexts in which verbal agitation (VA) behaviours occur. The study was conducted with 15 participants suffering from dementia who live in an institution and display agitated behaviours. Participants were subject to observation assisted by a hand-held computer. The frequency and duration of agitation episodes were calculated. The time of day, the location, and the activity engaged in, the presence of other persons and use of physical restraint were noted. A total of 180 observation hours were conducted, with each participant being observed for 12 hours, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The results show that the participants are verbally agitated 10% of the time. VA is manifested when participants are in their rooms (94%), not engaged in a specific activity (81%), alone (80%) and physically restrained (78%). VA occurs mainly after 2 p.m. (73%). Certain contextual characteristics rather than others are associated with greater VA concentrations. 0 2007 Elsevier Masson SAS. Tous droits reserves.