title: Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia: how long does every behavior last, and are particular behaviors associated with PRN antipsychotic agent use?
abstract: Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) affect approximately all residents in nursing homes at some point; however, the course of BPSD among this group is not well known. The goal of the current study was to describe the course of each measured BPSD over a period of 6 months. A secondary explorative objective was to identify which BPSD are associated with as-needed (PRN) antipsychotic drug use. This secondary analysis study of 146 nursing home residents was drawn from a prospective, observational, multisite (N = 7) cohort study. Results showed that BPSD lasted for an average of 2.3 months, and the BPSD saying things that do not make sense had the longest duration, with 3.6 months. PRN antipsychotic drug administration was associated with nocturnal BPSD and requesting help unnecessarily. Within 3 months, most BPSD were resolved by usual care; use of PRN antipsychotic medication was not associated with behaviors that put the residents or their caregivers at risk.
authors.forename: Philippe
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Voyer
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: McCusker
authors.forename: Martin G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Cole
authors.forename: Johanne
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Monette
authors.forename: Nathalie
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Champoux
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ciampi
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Belzile
authors.forename: Hélène
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Richard
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003704:Dementia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents