The results of a cross-over placebo-controlled study of the effect of lavender oil on behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia.

AIM: Studies of the effect of aromatherapy on patients with behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) have yielded contradictory results. One possible explanation for this lack of consistent results is the site of application of the oil. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of lavender oil on the rate of BPSD when applied close to and away from the olfactory system.

METHODS: A cross-over placebo-controlled study was conducted in the two psychogeriatric LTC departments. Patients in Department A received lavender oil on their face during the first month and on their foot in the second, sunflower seed oil on their foot in the third month and on their face in the fourth month. Patients in Department B received sunflower seed oil on their face during the first month and on their foot in the second, and lavender oil on their foot in the third month and on their face in the fourth month.

RESULTS: Forty two patients completed the study. The mean age was 76.1±11.2 years. After four months of treatment the mean Neuropsychiatric Inventory score in Department A dropped from 13.1±8.3 (median 12,0) to 3.5±3.8 (median 2.0; P<0.0001) and in Department B dropped from 9.7±9.6 (median 6.0) to 1.4±2.5 (median 0; P<0.0001). This reduction was not associated with the type of oil or the site of application.

CONCLUSIONS: Based on these results lavender oil has no advantage over sunflower seed oil in the reduction of BPSD, regardless of the place of application.