Behavioral and psychologic symptoms of dementia.

Although tremendous strides with regard to identification and treatment of BPSD have been made over the last several decades, much work remains. Presently, BPSD research opportunities are at their greatest. The increasing worldwide social and economic impact of BPSD, however, requires that researchers, clinicians, and scientists develop a global network focused on collaboration and innovation. In particular, research must address cross-culturally applicable methods for assessment, exploration of the environmental relationships of BPSD and the underlying biologic and psychologic substrates, longitudinal evaluation, determination of the frequency and underlying pathogenic mechanisms, and development of a clearly defined treatment method profile with specific reference to different types of BPSD [134].