Behavioral and psychological symptoms associated with dementia subtype and severity.
BACKGROUND
There is a growing body of research exploring differences in behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD), yet these differences are inconsistent and it is uncertain whether this inconsistency might be due to the confounding effect of differing severities of dementia.


METHODS
BPSD, measured with the Behavior Problems Check List (BPCL) and Revised Memory and Behavior Problems Check List (RMBPCL) and CDR-measured severity of dementia were examined using archival data of individuals with AD (N = 377) or VaD (including multi-infarct and other vascular causes; N = 74) presenting to a Sydney memory disorders clinic over a 20-year period.


RESULTS
There was no significant difference in scores for AD and VaD patients on the BPCL or on the RMBPCL when controlling for sex and severity of dementia. However, severity of BPSD increased with increasing severity of dementia.


CONCLUSIONS
BPSD severity is no different in AD and VaD at the time of initial assessment in a memory disorders clinic population of mild to moderate dementia. However, BPSD increases with severity of dementia in this group.
Thompson
Claire
C
Academic Department for Old Age Psychiatry, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia. thompsoncl@sesahs.nsw.gov.au
Brodaty
Henry
H
Trollor
Julian
J
Sachdev
Perminder
P
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000145:classification / Q000523:psychology; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D003704:Dementia / Q000145:classification / Q000523:psychology*; D015140:Dementia, Vascular / Q000145:classification / Q000523:psychology; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012737:Sex Factors