Psychogeriatrics
Volume 6 Issue 4 Page 154 - December 2006
To cite this article: Charles PINTO, Ramanathan SEETHALAKSHMI (2006) Longitudinal progression of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia: a pilot study from India Psychogeriatrics 6 (4), 154–158. doi:10.1111/j.1479-8301.2006.00155.x
ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Longitudinal progression of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia: a pilot study from India
· Charles PINTO and Ramanathan SEETHALAKSHMI
· Department of Psychiatry, BYL Nair Charitable Hospital, Mumbai, India.
Dr Ramanathan Seethalakshmi, DPM, Department of Psychiatry, King Edward Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, India. Email: docseetha_r@hotmail.com
Abstract
Introduction: Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) vary across different types, stages and different time spans of dementia. BPSD form an important determinant in the effective management of dementia as they contribute significantly to the prognosis and outcome of dementia.
Methods: Thirty-three individuals with dementia were assessed across three different time periods for changes in behavioral problems as noted on the BEHAV-AD. Of the 33 individuals, eight had received medications that primarily consisted of low-dose typical antipsychotics.
Results: Although, it was noted that behavioral problems fluctuate over time; significant variations in intensity were noted only in delusions. BPSD variations were similar in both Alzheimer's and vascular dementia. Individuals on medications showed significant improvement in nearly all behavioral problems and a decrease in caregiver distress.
Discussion: Behavioral symptoms vary across different time spans and follow a general pattern. Detailed analyses of these longitudinal variations in BPSD can be useful in planning cost-effective treatment strategies.
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