Weighted Blankets to Decrease Agitation in Dementia

What Is This Study About?

This clinical trial will evaluate whether weighted blankets can reduce agitation and aggressive behaviors in hospitalized patients with dementia. The study period for each individual is three days of hospitalization. Hospitalized individuals with dementia will be provided weighted blankets, equivalent to 10% of their body weight at admission, for use while sleeping at night. Nursing staff will complete assessments that measure behavioral disturbances. A control group will not be provided the weighted blankets but will undergo nursing assessments.

Do I Qualify To Participate in This Study?

Must have:

• Admission to a hospital's inpatient geriatric psychiatry unit
• Diagnosis of dementia according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) criteria
• Presence of agitation/aggression symptoms as defined by an aggression score of 4 or greater on at least one item of the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory Short Version (CMAI)

Must NOT have:

• Inability to remove blanket
• Severe pain exacerbated by use of weighted blanket
• Skin burns or open wounds
• Allergy to blanket material
• Admitted to hospital on a 72-hour hold

If I Qualify, Who Do I Contact?

Contact study personnel listed either under the general study contact or the location nearest you.

 

Where Is This Study Located?

Who Sponsors This Study?

Lead: Mayo Clinic

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03643991