Assessment and management of behavioral disturbances in Alzheimer's disease.
In summary, AD patients and their care givers are confronted with a variety of behavioral problems that may have a devastating impact on both. It is important for physicians and other health-care providers to assess the occurrence and impact of these behaviors, and to assess and treat the broader medical and cognitive problems that are evident. Measurement tools can augment the clinical interview to give the practitioner a thorough assessment of behavioral problems. A systematic six-step approach to intervention, as well as specific recommendations for the most common and troublesome behaviors of depression and agitation, are provided. Care givers vary in their ability to cope with the problems of AD patients. Some seem to adjust naturally and to anticipate and solve problems on their own. Others need considerable guidance and may require assistance from their physician as well as referral to a psychologist or other mental health professional adept in behavioral management. Physicians must play a pivotal role in recognizing problems and providing or arranging for appropriate treatment for their AD patients and care givers.
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle 98195.
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D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D001519:Behavior; D006701:Home Nursing; D006801:Humans