{"title":"Treatment of agitation in dementia - a systematic review.","authors":"Misha Choudry, Murdoc Gould, Latha Ganti","doi":"10.1186/s12245-025-00902-7","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Dementia, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), affects millions worldwide, leading to cognitive decline, memory loss, and behavioral disturbances. Agitation, a common symptom, poses significant challenges for patients and caregivers. This systematic review evaluates pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for managing agitation in dementia. Nine clinical studies were analyzed, encompassing medications like brexpiprazole and non-pharmacological approaches such as music therapy and digital care programs. Pharmacological treatments showed mixed efficacy and safety profiles, with brexpiprazole demonstrating dose-dependent benefits and mirtazapine associating with higher mortality rates. Non-pharmacological interventions exhibited promising results in reducing agitation without adverse effects. The review underscores the importance of personalized care strategies tailored to individual patient needs and preferences to enhance treatment efficacy and quality of life, highlighting the shift toward holistic, individualized care.</p>","PeriodicalId":13967,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Emergency Medicine","volume":"18 1","pages":"101"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0000,"publicationDate":"2025-05-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12105158/pdf/","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"International Journal of Emergency Medicine","FirstCategoryId":"1085","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12245-025-00902-7","RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":null,"ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q2","JCRName":"EMERGENCY MEDICINE","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Dementia, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), affects millions worldwide, leading to cognitive decline, memory loss, and behavioral disturbances. Agitation, a common symptom, poses significant challenges for patients and caregivers. This systematic review evaluates pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for managing agitation in dementia. Nine clinical studies were analyzed, encompassing medications like brexpiprazole and non-pharmacological approaches such as music therapy and digital care programs. Pharmacological treatments showed mixed efficacy and safety profiles, with brexpiprazole demonstrating dose-dependent benefits and mirtazapine associating with higher mortality rates. Non-pharmacological interventions exhibited promising results in reducing agitation without adverse effects. The review underscores the importance of personalized care strategies tailored to individual patient needs and preferences to enhance treatment efficacy and quality of life, highlighting the shift toward holistic, individualized care.
期刊介绍:
The aim of the journal is to bring to light the various clinical advancements and research developments attained over the world and thus help the specialty forge ahead. It is directed towards physicians and medical personnel undergoing training or working within the field of Emergency Medicine. Medical students who are interested in pursuing a career in Emergency Medicine will also benefit from the journal. This is particularly useful for trainees in countries where the specialty is still in its infancy. Disciplines covered will include interesting clinical cases, the latest evidence-based practice and research developments in Emergency medicine including emergency pediatrics.