title: Non-pharmacological Management of Behavioral Symptoms in Frontotemporal and Other Dementias.
abstract: Worldwide prevalence of dementia is predicted to double every 20 years. The most common cause in individuals over 65 is Alzheimer's disease (AD), but in those under 65, frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is as frequent. The physical and cognitive decline that characterizes these diseases is commonly accompanied by troublesome behavioral symptoms. These behavioral symptoms contribute to significant morbidity and mortality among both patients and caregivers. Medications have been largely ineffective in managing these symptoms and carry significant adverse effects. Non-pharmacological interventions have been recommended to precede the utilization of pharmacological treatments. This article reviews the research about these interventions with special attention to the variations by etiology, especially FTD. The authors offer recommendations for improving utilization of these strategies and future research recommendations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, Suite 190, Box 1207, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA. Cindy.barton@ucsf.edu.|School of Nursing, University of California, 2 Koret Way, Box 1207, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA. Cindy.barton@ucsf.edu.
authors.forename: Cynthia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Barton
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, Suite 190, Box 1207, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA.|School of Nursing, University of California, 2 Koret Way, Box 1207, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
authors.forename: Robin
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ketelle
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, Suite 190, Box 1207, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA.|School of Nursing, University of California, 2 Koret Way, Box 1207, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Merrilees
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, Suite 190, Box 1207, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA.
authors.forename: Bruce
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Miller
mesh_terms: D001526:Behavioral Symptoms; D017028:Caregivers; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans
keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; Behavioral and psychological symptoms; Dementia; Frontotemporal dementia; Neuropsychiatric symptoms; Non-pharmacological