Nonpharmacologic management of behavioral symptoms in dementia

JAMA. 2012 Nov 21;308(19):2020-9. doi: 10.1001/jama.2012.36918.

Abstract

Behavioral symptoms such as repetitive speech, wandering, and sleep disturbances are a core clinical feature of Alzheimer disease and related dementias. If untreated, these behaviors can accelerate disease progression, worsen functional decline and quality of life, cause significant caregiver distress, and result in earlier nursing home placement. Systematic screening for behavioral symptoms in dementia is an important prevention strategy that facilitates early treatment of behavioral symptoms by identifying underlying causes and tailoring a treatment plan. First-line nonpharmacologic treatments are recommended because available pharmacologic treatments are only modestly effective, have notable risks, and do not effectively treat some of the behaviors that family members and caregivers find most distressing. Examples of nonpharmacologic treatments include provision of caregiver education and support, training in problem solving, and targeted therapy directed at the underlying causes for specific behaviors (eg, implementing nighttime routines to address sleep disturbances). Based on an actual case, we characterize common behavioral symptoms and describe a strategy for selecting evidence-based nonpharmacologic dementia treatments. Nonpharmacologic management of behavioral symptoms in dementia can significantly improve quality of life and patient-caregiver satisfaction.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Caregivers
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Dementia / complications*
  • Dementia / nursing
  • Dementia / psychology*
  • Disease Progression
  • Humans
  • Patient Care Planning
  • Problem Solving
  • Psychomotor Agitation / etiology
  • Psychomotor Agitation / therapy
  • Quality of Life
  • Sleep Wake Disorders / etiology
  • Sleep Wake Disorders / therapy*
  • Social Support
  • Wandering Behavior