ABSTRACT

Estimates are that 48.1 million individuals worldwide will have a diagnosis of dementia by 2020, and projections rise to 90.3 million by 2040 (Prince et al., 2013). Dementia is a neurodegenerative change in cognitive functioning resulting in functional impairment. Verbal outbursts and physical agitation are common as dementia progresses and sometimes lead to aggressive behaviors (Lyketsos et al., 2011). Disruptive behaviors may occur in 90% of individuals with dementia during the course of illness (Chiu et al., 2006). These behaviors are associated with an increase in institutionalization and contribute to caregiver burden (Chung & Cummings, 2000).