title: Management of behavioural symptoms of dementia in a specialized unit care.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In France, the Alzheimer Plan 2008-2012 has enabled the development of units specialized in managing the behavioural and psychological disorders found in cognitive pathologies, with an emphasis on both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. The aim of this study was to analyze the evolution of behavioural symptoms, autonomy, and psychotropic drug prescriptions at a cognitive and behavioural unit in Toulouse, France.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective study, with systematic analyze of data for patients hospitalized in a cognitive and behavioral unit.
  
  
  RESULTS
  This 2-year study included 199 patients. Behavioural symptoms were significantly improved during the follow-up period and remained so after discharge. Autonomy, especially in walking, was not altered. The prescription of psychotropic drugs, such as neuroleptics, was significantly lower at discharge.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study showed the effectiveness of overall care, with an emphasis on pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments, in managing disruptive behavioural symptoms in a specialized unit.
authors: Alzheimer's Disease Center, Gerontopole, Purpan University Hospital, Toulouse, France.
authors: Pascal
authors: P
authors: Saidlitz
authors: Alzheimer's Disease Center, Gerontopole, Purpan University Hospital, Toulouse, France.
authors: Sandrine
authors: S
authors: Sourdet
authors: Faculty of Medicine, Inserm, UMR1027, Epidemiology and Public Health Analyzes: Risks, Chronic Diseases and Disabilities, Toulouse, France.
authors: Thierry
authors: T
authors: Voisin
authors: Faculty of Medicine, Inserm, UMR1027, Epidemiology and Public Health Analyzes: Risks, Chronic Diseases and Disabilities, Toulouse, France.
authors: Bruno
authors: B
authors: Vellas
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001526:Behavioral Symptoms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003704:Dementia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D011307:Drug Prescriptions / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005602:France; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs
keywords: Alzheimer's disease; behavioural disorders; dementia; non-pharmacological therapy