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Treating the Behavioral Symptoms of Dementia

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Clinical Psychopharmacology for Neurologists

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Abstract

Mood and behavior changes are part of the clinical presentation and/or course of the dementias. The treatment of these symptoms is complex, with significant side effects and/or paucity of data limiting evidence-based guidance for the treating physician. Non-pharmacological interventions are first-line treatment for the behavior and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). However, severe mood and behavioral changes often warrant pharmacological intervention requiring detailed risk/benefit analysis regarding medication choice. This chapter focuses on the clinical treatment of BPSD pertinent for the treating neurologist, providing a synopsis of the evidence supporting medication use and practical guidance on treatment selection, monitoring, and discontinuation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Adult Psychiatry Training Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA

    Brianne M. Newman MD

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  1. Brianne M. Newman MD
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Correspondence to Brianne M. Newman MD .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Professor & Director, Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neuroscience, St. Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA

    George T. Grossberg

  2. Co-Director of Neurology, SSM Neuroscience Institute, St. Louis, Missouri, USA

    Laurence J. Kinsella

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Newman, B.M. (2018). Treating the Behavioral Symptoms of Dementia. In: Grossberg, G., Kinsella, L. (eds) Clinical Psychopharmacology for Neurologists. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-74604-3_7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-74604-3_7

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-74602-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-74604-3

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