Managing common behavioral problems in dementia. How to improve quality of life for patients and families.
Dementia is the most common reason for nursing home placement, and related behavioral symptoms are the primary factors precipitating the decision. Disruptive behaviors such as depression, sleep disturbance, agitation, aggression, and psychosis can tax family members' abilities to care for a loved one who has reached that stage of the illness. Working with families to institute effective management strategies may help delay institutionalization. In this article, Drs Burke and Morgenlander present a systematic approach to identifying and treating common problems in dementia.
Burke
J R
JR
Division of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA. james.burke@duke.edu
Morgenlander
J C
JC
D000374:Aggression; D003704:Dementia / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D011595:Psychomotor Agitation / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011788:Quality of Life; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy
D011619:Psychotropic Drugs