Open AccessPharmacological management of behavioral symptoms associated with dementia
Author(s) -
Subramoniam Madhusoodanan,
Mark Bryan Ting
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
world journal of psychiatry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2220-3206
DOI - 10.5498/wjp.v4.i4.72
Subject(s) - dementia , medicine , concomitant , psychiatry , psychological intervention , intensive care medicine , food and drug administration , pharmacology , disease
Dementia is a clinical syndrome with features of neurocognitive decline. Subtypes of dementia include Alzheimer's, frontotemporal, Parkinson's, Lewy body disease, and vascular type. Dementia is associated with a variety of neuropsychiatric symptoms that may include agitation, psychosis, depression, and apathy. These symptoms can lead to dangerousness to self or others and are the main source for caregiver burnout. Treatment of these symptoms consists of nonpharmacological and pharmacological interventions. However, there are no Food and Drug Administration-approved medications for the treatment of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. Pharmacological interventions are used off-label. This article reviews the current evidence supporting or negating the use of psychotropic medications along with safety concerns, monitoring, regulations, and recommendations.