Touch-Based Therapies in Dementia Care: A Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis

Bryan Mitchell, Eileen Harkess-Murphy, Nicola Douglas-Smith, Joshua Cheyne, School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, School of Education and Social Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Professional Services, University of the West of Scotland

Dementia: The International Journal of Social Research and Practice

Published online on April 30, 2026

Abstract

Dementia, Ahead of Print.
Touch-based therapies (massage, acupressure, reflexology/shiatsu, and therapeutic/healing touch) are used in dementia care, but effectiveness remains uncertain. The authors evaluated their impact on behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD)...