title: Repetitive and stereotypic phenomena and dementia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Behavioral disturbances of dementia, such as repetitive and stereotypic phenomena, can be distressing to caregivers and may lead to early institutionalization of the patient.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this article is to examine the phenomenon of repetitive phenomena in patients with dementia.
  
  
  METHODS
  We searched the PubMed electronic databases for original research and review articles on repetitive phenomena in patients with dementia using the search terms "repetitive behavior, stereotypic behavior, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Frontotemporal dementia."
  
  
  RESULTS
  Repetitive and stereotypic phenomena are common problems in dementia, which may reflect a disruption of coordinated function within the basal ganglia or corticostriatal structures.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There are no systematic studies concerning repetitive phenomena in patients with dementia, and very little is known about the treatment. Further studies are needed to determine the specific phenomena.
authors.affiliation: Neurology Unit, Versilia Hospital, Lido di Camaiore (Lu), Italy. cprgrl@gmail.com
authors.forename: Gabriele
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Cipriani
authors.forename: Marcella
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Vedovello
authors.forename: Martina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ulivi
authors.forename: Angelo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nuti
authors.forename: Claudio
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lucetti
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003704:Dementia / Q000503:physiopathology*; D057180:Frontotemporal Dementia / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D013239:Stereotyped Behavior