Decreasing Agitation in Patients With Dementia Through the Use of Weighted Blankets

The Intervention Group (Cohort 1 - first 15 patients to be enrolled):

1. Patient or Legally Authorized Representative (LAR) will be asked to sign a consent form
and will have the study explained.

2. Nursing staff will complete baseline assessments to measure behavioral disturbances
using the CMAI and CGI and other distressing symptoms using the ESAS-r.

3. A weighted blanket, based on admission body weight, will be provided to the patient
under nursing supervision.

4. For 3 consecutive days after each use of weighted blanket, nursing staff will complete
morning assessments to measure behavioral disturbances using the CMAI and CGI and other
distressing symptoms using the ESAS-r.

5. At the end of the intervention, nursing staff will complete post-intervention
assessments to measure behavioral disturbances using the CMAI and CGI and other
distressing symptoms using the ESAS-r.

Control Group (Cohort 2 - second 15 patients to be enrolled):

1. Patient or Legally Authorized Representative (LAR) will be asked to sign a consent form
and will have the study explained.

2. The study team will recruit a group of patients with similar characteristics as
described in the inclusion criteria; however, the patient will not receive the weighted
blanket, but undergo the same assessments as described in 1-5 (above) and in the
Schedule of Assessments.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients admitted on the inpatient geriatric psychiatry unit, age 60 years and older.

2. Diagnosis of dementia according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) criteria.

3. Presence of agitation/aggression symptoms as defined by a minimum aggression score on
the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory Short Version (CMAI): a score ≥ 4 on at least
one aggressive item.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Inability to remove blanket;

2. Severe pain exacerbated by use of weighted blanket;

3. Skin burns or open wounds;

4. Allergy to blanket material.

5. Admitted on 72 hour hold.