Comparisons of agitation associated with Alzheimer's disease and acquired brain in jury

Abstract

Agitation is manifested in many clinical populations. However research andpractice has been pursued solely within these distinct populations. This study examined whether behavioral components ofagitation (i.e., aggressiveness, disinhibition and lability) are differentially expressed in persons with post-traumatic agitation versus those with dementia and agitation due to Alzheimer's disease. Subjects were 19 agitated older adults with dementia due to Alzheimer's disease, 19 agitated older adults with recently acquired brain injury, and 19 agitated younger adults with recent acquired brain injury Agitation was measured using the Agitated Behavior Scale (ABS), with observations selected to assure that the overall level of agitation in each group was comparable. Analysis of variance indicated that the Total ABS score did not differ among the three groups, confirming that overall agitation was comparable. Differences between groups were not signifcantfor either Disinhibition or Lability subscale scores. However, a significant difference was evident for aggression. Planned comparisons indicated that the Alzheimer's and younger brain injury groups differed in this behavior but neither differed fom the older brain injury group. The findings provide initial support for the hypothesis that the manifestation of agitation is similar across affected populations