Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia – Assessment and Management

Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are defined as signs and symptoms of disturbed perception, thought content, mood or behaviour. BPSD are very common regardless of the type of dementia and is present in nearly all people with dementia over the course of their illness. A local study conducted in 2013 found the prevalence of BPSD be 67.9 percent. BSPD are associated with major adverse of BPSD involves the understanding of how the interplay of various factors (persons with dementia, caregivers, and environment) may cause BPSD and that interventions must be tailored to each individual. The first line of management should always be non-pharmacological interventions where possible. The ultimate goal in treatment of BPSD is to alleviate persons with dementia.