Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms in Turkish Alzheimer’s Patients

Summary

Studying behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) across cultures allows the identification of similarities and differences that may be useful to determine the best approach to managing these symptoms in different populations. Although BPSD are not yet regarded as a main health issue in many developing countries, such as Turkey, these symptoms will undoubtedly become a management issue in the near future. There are also racial, ethnic, and cultural differences in dementia caregiving. There are some cross-national studies that use similar methodology in AD, and very few studies on BPSD that include developing countries or migrant populations. Although the BPSD constitute one of the major domains of symptomatology of age-associated dementia, Turkish family practitioners, residents in psychiatry and neurology, and even general psychiatrists and neurologists do not in general have sufficient experience to evaluate BPSD. Family members in Turkey are more likely to report behavioral and affective disturbances rather than memory problems. Caregivers in our community may underreport BPSD because of the fear the patient will be labeled or institutionalized, their need to maintain an acceptable social facade, their desire not to relinquish the caregiver role, and their religious values. Cultural influences must be considered in the studies of BPSD. Western countries should be able to compare results with different cultures. Therefore, joint studies are important.