The clinical problem of neuropsychiatric signs and symptoms in dementia.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article reviews behavioral signs and symptoms of dementia that can lead to increased mortality, excessive cognitive and functional disability, early institutionalization, and increased caregiver burnout.

RECENT FINDINGS

Almost all patients with a dementia will develop significant behavioral disturbances at some point over the course of their illness. These behavioral signs and symptoms rarely fit into usual diagnostic classifications or meet full criteria for a formal major psychiatric disorder.

SUMMARY

Treatment of behavioral signs and symptoms of dementia should include both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions. There are currently no treatments for these disturbances approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. Best judgment should be used in identifying dominant target symptoms and matching them to the most relevant drug class. Implementing nonpharmacologic interventions before the development of neuropsychiatric symptoms may prevent triggers related to a progressively lowered stress threshold and therefore is key in the treatment of all patients with a dementia.