Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms in Dementia(BPSD):Psychotic Symptoms

ABSTRACT

Dementia is a multi-dimensional disorder associated with cognitive symptoms, functional impairment, and behavioral and psychological symptoms such as agitation, depression and psychosis. Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are an integral part of the disease process and present severe problems to patients, their families and caregivers, and society at large. BPSD are treatable and are more amenable to therapy than other symptoms or syndromes of dementia. Thus, the recognition and appropriate management of BPSD are important factors in improving our care of dementia patients and their caregivers. Psychotic symptoms presented as delusions, misidentifications, and hallucinations are most prevalent BPSD in Alzheimer's disease and related dementia. The author has reviewed the clinical feature, etiology, and pharmacological and non-phrmacological management of psychotic symptoms of BPSD.