Methodological issues in the non pharmacological treatment of BPSD in nursing home--the TNM study.

Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) such as agitation, aggressiveness, oppositional behaviour and psychotic symptoms are often reported by caregivers and staff members in institutions for the elderly. Taking into account the limited efficacy and the importance of side effects observed with psychotropic agents, the majority of existing guideline underlines the importance of non-pharmacological strategies. The aim of this article is to describe the major methodological problems in non-pharmacological treatments studies and to present the design of the TNM study, a nursing home randomized controlled trial conducted in 16 French nursing homes.