Approach to Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Dementia

Ana Luisa Pocas*

Received: April 09, 2018;   Published: April 20, 2018

DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2018.04.000985

Full Text PDF

To view the Full Article   Peer-reviewed Article PDF

Abstract

Behavior disorders and psychosis can be a greater challenge for patients with dementia and their caregivers. Ninety percent of people with dementia experience behavioural and psychological symptoms such as aggression, agitation and psychosis. These symptoms can be distressing and a threat to the person and their caregivers. In these situations we always tend to medicate after suggesting non-pharmacological measures. The problem often arises after the symptomatology has been stabilized. There are evidence-based recommendations to assess psychological and behavioral symptoms of dementia and perform a risk/ benefit analysis before prescribing an antipsychotic. The Practice Guidelines of American Psychiatric Association (APA) includes recommendations with moderate/low strength of supporting research evidence concerning antipsychotic use to treat agitation or psychosis in patients with dementia [1,2].

Opinion| References|