A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Randomized Trial of <i>Melissa officinalis</i> Oil and Donepezil for the Treatment of Agitation in Alzheimer’s Disease

Abstract

When assessed using a rigorous design which ensures blinding of treatment arms, there is no evidence that melissa aromatherapy is superior to placebo or donepezil, in the treatment of agitation in people with Alzheimer's disease. However, the sizeable improvement in the placebo group emphasizes the potential non-specific benefits of touch and interaction in the treatment of agitation in people with Alzheimer's disease.