Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia: clinical aspects

Abstract

Non cognitive symptoms are almost always present in dementia with important consequences for patients and caregivers quality of life. Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD) are heterogeneous and varied in relation to the stage of the demetia and to the aetiology. Treatment of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia represent an important challenge, and non pharmacological and pharmacological approach needs. Antidepressant and neuroleptics are the most frequently used drugs in the treatment of BPSD, even if the number of well designed controlled studies are limited. A variety of different forms of environmental and rehabilitative interventions showed efficacy on BPSD.