Benzodiazepines in the Treatment of Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms Associated with Dementia and Their Impact on Cognitive Impairment: Review of Clinical Evidence

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of progressively disabling degenerative dementia. In dementia in general, there are, unfortunately, even from the earliest stages of the disease, associated behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), and even more pronouncedly in AD, in addition to cognitive impairment. There are no specific drugs for the treatment of BPSDs. Therefore, there remains an unmet medical need. To date, despite side effects, benzodiazepines, anti-psychotics, mood stabilisers, and anti-depressants continue to be used in the clinic. The aim of this research work is to provide an understanding of the role of benzodiazepines when used for the treatment of BPSD and cognitive impairment in AD.