[Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia in a pilot psychogeriatric unit: management and outcomes].
BACKGROUND
Behavioral and psychological symptoms in dementia (BPSD) are a major concern. The French government gave a consensual definition of reinforced intermediate-term care units for BPSD within the project "Plan Alzheimer 2008/2012".


OBJECTIVE
Our aim was to report one of the first experiences of this unit in France.


RESULTS
Fifty-two patients (38 females, 14 males) were included, mean age 82.07±7.84 (73-97). About 80% of patients were improved and there was a high discharge rate to home of about 30%. Night-time behaviors, aberrant motor behaviors and agitation were the most frequent symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
Our study confirms that demented elderly patients greatly benefit from a specific BPSD care unit in agreement with the objective of Plan Alzheimer 2008/2012.
Service de psychogériatrie, hôpital Bretonneau, 23, rue Joseph-de-Maistres, 75018 Paris, France. pierre.koskas@brt.aphp.fr
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P
Koskas
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Belqadi
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Mazouzi
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J
Daraux
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O
Drunat
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003704:Dementia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D019468:Disease Management; D005260:Female; D005602:France; D005852:Geriatric Psychiatry / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006299:Health Services for the Aged / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006757:Hospital Units / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007380:Intermediate Care Facilities / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008297:Male; D044342:Malnutrition / Q000150:complications; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D010351:Patient Discharge; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011595:Psychomotor Agitation / Q000209:etiology; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D011619:Psychotropic Drugs