The course of neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia. Part II: relationships among behavioural sub-syndromes and the influence of clinical variables.
BACKGROUND
Although several studies have mentioned associations between neuropsychiatric symptoms, there have been no prospective studies determining interrelations among behavioural sub-syndromes.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the influence of several clinical variables on the course of neuropsychiatric symptoms, and to determine interrelationships between the behavioural sub-syndromes.


METHODS
One hundred and ninety-nine patients with dementia were assessed every six months for two-years, using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) to evaluate neuropsychiatric symptoms.


RESULTS
Age, sex, and socioeconomic status were not associated with a specific neuropsychiatric symptom. Greater cognitive impairment was related to more severe psychosis, and dementia stage influenced the course of total NPI problems. There were strong interrelations among most behavioural sub-syndromes. The sub-syndrome hyperactivity was of influence on the development of psychosis, but not vice versa. Neither was the sub-syndrome mood/apathy of influence on the course of psychosis.


CONCLUSIONS
While different neuropsychiatric symptoms have their own specific correlates, there is a strong interrelationship between behavioural sub-syndromes. The data have implications for clinicians and the nosology of neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia.
Aalten
Pauline
P
Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, University of Maastricht, The Netherlands.
de Vugt
Marjolein E
ME
Jaspers
Niek
N
Jolles
Jellemer
J
Verhey
Frans R J
FR
D000339:Affect; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003704:Dementia / Q000523:psychology*; D018450:Disease Progression; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011595:Psychomotor Agitation / Q000209:etiology; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D012920:Social Behavior Disorders / Q000209:etiology*