The agitated behaviors that accompany dementia (eg, pacing, aggression, calling out) are stressful to both nursing home residents and their carers and are difficult to treat. Behaviors stemming from pain, major depression, or psychosis benefit from treatment with analgesics, antidepressants, or antipsychotics. Although psychotropic medications are used very widely, they have limited efficacy. The aim of our two studies is to test whether two non-pharmacologic interventions reduce the frequency of behavioral symptoms of dementia significantly more than relevant control conditions. We will conduct two controlled trials with randomized crossover between conditions. Persons aged 65 and older with moderate to severe dementia and associated behavioral problems living in aged care facilities will be included in both studies. In the Montessori study individualized, goal-directed activities will be compared with a relevant (attention) control condition. In the Lavender study, application of pure, high-strength lavender oil will be compared with the application of placebo oil. Residents will be observed before, during, and after interventions. Results will compare the occurrence of target behaviors as level of engagement and type of effect for residents receiving either Montessori activities or lavender oil compared with those in the control conditions. If our results show that use of either Montessori activities or lavender oil is effective in treating challenging behaviors in individuals with dementia, it will potentially provide a safer and more enjoyable intervention rather than reliance on pharmacology alone.