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Behavioral and Psychiatric Symptoms in Dementia (BPSD)

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Geriatric Practice

Abstract

Behavioral and psychiatric symptoms in dementia (BPSD) are common and will affect the majority of patients with dementia at some point during the course of their disease. Symptoms are fluctuating, unpredictable, and wide ranging and can change frequently in a particular patient. BPSD are costly to patients and society, can be taxing for caregivers, and are a major cause of placement in facilities. This chapter reviews the subtypes of dementia and the variety of behavioral and psychiatric symptoms commonly occurring at various stages of dementia. We present nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic approaches, utilizing a multidisciplinary team to manage these patients. The ultimate goal of treatment being improving patient care and comfort, relieve caregiver stress, and avoid institutionalization.

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Correspondence to Amy S. Aloysi .

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Aloysi, A.S., Callahan, E.H. (2020). Behavioral and Psychiatric Symptoms in Dementia (BPSD). In: Chun, A. (eds) Geriatric Practice. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-19625-7_18

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-19625-7_18

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