This study was a systematic review and meta-analysis designed to investigate the effects of stimulation-oriented interventions for behavioral problems among people with dementia.

Based on the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA), a literature search was conducted using seven electronic databases, gray literature, and other sources. Methodological quality was assessed using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Data were analyzed using R with the ‘meta’ package and the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA 2.0) program.

Sixteen studies were included for meta-analysis to investigate the effect of stimulation-oriented interventions. The quality of individual studies was rated as ‘++’ for eight studies and ‘+’ for the rest. The effect sizes were analyzed according to three subgroups of interventions (light, music, and others); Hedges’ g=0.04 (95% CI: -0.38~0.46), -0.23 (95% CI: -0.56~0.10), -0.34 (95% CI: -0.34~0.00), respectively. To explore the possible causes of heterogeneity (I²=62.8%), meta-regression was conducted with covariates of sample size, number of sessions, and length of session (time). No moderating effects were found for sample size or number of sessions, but session time showed a significant effect (Z=1.96, 95% CI: 0.00~0.01). Finally, a funnel plot along with Egger's regression test was performed to check for publication bias, but no significant bias was detected.

Based on these findings, stimulation-oriented interventions seem to have a small effect for behavioral problems among people with dementia. Further research is needed to identify optimum time of the interventions for behavioral problems among dementia patients.

This study was a meta-analysis designed to identify effects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) interventions in alleviating main symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) among school-aged children in Korea.

Examination of several databases including Research Information Sharing Service, Korean Studies Information Service System, Data Base Periodical Information Academic and hand-searched article references, resulted in identification of 1,298 studies done between 2000 and 2013 of which 21 met the inclusion criteria. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis version 2.0 was used to analyze effect sizes, explore possible causes of heterogeneity, and check publication bias with a funnel plot and its trim-and-fill analysis.

Overall effect size of CBT intervention was large (g=1.08) along with each outcome of self-control (g=1.26), lack of attention (g=1.02), social skills (g=0.92), and hyperactivity (g=0.92). For heterogeneity, moderator analysis was performed, but no significant differences were found between the RCT (Randomized Controlled Trials) group and the NRCT (Non RCT) group. Also, meta-regression was performed using sample size, number of sessions, and length of session as predictors, but no statistically significant moderators were found. Finally, a funnel plot along with trim-and-fill analysis was produced to check for publication bias, but no significant bias was detected.

Based on these findings, there is clear evidence that CBT intervention has significant positive effects on the main symptoms of school-aged children suffering ADHD. Further research is needed to target diverse age groups with ADHD along with more RCT studies to improve the effectiveness of the CBT intervention.