title: Practical approach to managing behavioral problems in dementia patients.
abstract: Common behavioral problems encountered in dementia patients include agitation, aggressiveness, hallucinations, and wandering. To minimize or prevent these behaviors, the primary care physician may employ pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments. Manipulation of the environment is effective in selected patients, but pharmacotherapy is still often needed. The role of both options in the effective management of elderly dementia patients is reviewed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota Hospitals, Minneapolis.
authors.forename: D S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Knopman
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sawyer-DeMaris
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000378:metabolism; D001519:Behavior / Q000187:drug effects*; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods; D003704:Dementia; D004777:Environment; D006801:Humans; D009735:Nursing Homes / Q000458:organization & administration; D011320:Primary Health Care
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents