Atypical antipsychotics in the management of behavioral symptoms associated with dementia.

Dementia is characterized by a progressive deterioration of memory and cognitive function that occurs mostly in the elderly population. In the United States nearly 4.5 million people suffers dementia. Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are defined as agitation, delusions, hallucinations, anxiety, and aggressiveness in patients diagnosed with this condition. One of the most useful therapeutic approaches for behavioral symptoms is antipsychotic medications, though there is no ill-established evidence about their efficacy. This article review possible benefits as well as side effects of these drugs. A detailed orientation about antipsychotic side effects and risks should be given to patients and caregivers, to obtain an appropriate and informed consent decision.