Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of aroma foot massage and reflexology on sleep, depression and problem behaviors on elderly with dementia.
METHODS
The study was a none equivalent control group pre-post test quasi-experimental design. The participants were 62 elderly with mild mentia. Using a coin toss, 31 participants were assigned to the experimental group and 31 to the control group. The aroma reflex foot massage comprised of aroma foot massage and foot reflexology. The intervention was conducted twice a week for six weeks.
RESULTS
There were significant differences in reported sleep and depression between the two groups. However, the issue of problem behaviors was not significant.
CONCLUSION
Aroma reflex foot massage can be utilized as an effective intervention for sleep and depression in conjunction with drug therapy for the management of elderly with mild dementia.