Treatment of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia: a systematic review

Psychiatr Pol. 2016;50(4):679-715. doi: 10.12740/PP/64477.
[Article in English, Polish]

Abstract

BPSD (Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms in Dementia) affects virtually all patients with dementia. The aim of this review is to present information on epidemiology, consequences and evidence-based non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatment approaches. The review also covers recent literature derived from a systematic literature Medline search on BPSD. Results indicate that BPSD are major risk factors for an earlier placement of affected individuals in nursing homes and a potentially more severe course of dementia over time. Treatment of BPSD is complex and includes both strategies.

Keywords: BPSD; dementia; treatment.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Aggression
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use*
  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Behavioral Symptoms / drug therapy*
  • Behavioral Symptoms / etiology
  • Behavioral Symptoms / therapy
  • Clinical Protocols
  • Conduct Disorder / drug therapy*
  • Conduct Disorder / etiology
  • Dementia / complications*
  • Dementia / therapy*
  • Dopamine Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Geriatric Psychiatry / methods
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neurocognitive Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Neurocognitive Disorders / etiology
  • Severity of Illness Index

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Dopamine Antagonists