Behavioral analysis and nursing interventions for reducing disruptive behaviors of patients with dementia

In this study, two cases were used to examine the potential of behavioral analysis as an intervention to decrease disruptive behaviors of institutionalized individuals with dementia. Behavioral modeling was used to teach the principles of behavioral analysis. The nurses observed a behavior change plan implemented by the investigator, revised the plan based on behavioral analysis techniques, and subsequently implemented the revised behavioral strategies. The patientsʹ disruptive behaviors decreased markedly when the behavioral intervention was implemented. Patients resumed disruptive behaviors when care was provided without the behavioral plan. The findings suggest the need to address interventions in nursing research, education, and practice that use behavioral analysis to reduce disruptive behaviors in individuals with dementia.