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Managing Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD) in the Era of Boxed Warnings

  • Geriatric Disorders (JA Cheong, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

To provide a comprehensive overview on the evaluation and management of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) using evidence from literature.

Recent Findings

Evidence indicates efficacy for some non-pharmacological techniques including education of caregivers and cognitive stimulation therapy and pharmacological agents like antidepressant and antipsychotics for the management of BPSD. The use of antipsychotics has generated controversy due to the recognition of their serious adverse effect profile including the risk of cerebrovascular adverse events and death.

Summary

BPSD is associated with worsening of cognition and function among individuals with dementia, greater caregiver burden, more frequent institutionalization, overall poorer quality of life, and greater cost of caring for these individuals. Future management strategies for BPSD should include the use of technology for the provision of non-pharmacological interventions and the judicious use of cannabinoids and interventional procedures like ECT for the management of refractory symptoms.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, USA

    Rajesh R. Tampi

  2. Department of Psychiatry &Behavioral Sciences, Cleveland Clinic Akron General, Akron, OH, USA

    Rajesh R. Tampi & Gargi Bhattacharya

  3. Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA

    Rajesh R. Tampi

  4. Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA

    Rajesh R. Tampi

  5. Department of Psychiatry, North East Medical University, Rootstown, OH, USA

    Rajesh R. Tampi

  6. Frontier Psychiatry, Billings, MT, USA

    Padmapriya Marpuri

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  1. Rajesh R. Tampi
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Correspondence to Rajesh R. Tampi.

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Tampi, R.R., Bhattacharya, G. & Marpuri, P. Managing Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD) in the Era of Boxed Warnings. Curr Psychiatry Rep 24, 431–440 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-022-01347-y

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