Managing the Neuropsychiatric Symptoms of Dementia, Poster 35

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), the most common form of dementia, affects over 5 million Americans and is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. As more people are living longer, its prevalence is projected to... [ view full abstract ]

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), the most common form of dementia, affects over 5 million Americans and is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. As more people are living longer, its prevalence is projected to reach nearly 14 million by 2050, making it one of the most prominent public health issues of our generation. While dementia is primarily viewed as a disease of memory loss or execute dysfunction, about 90% of patients also experience other neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS), or non-cognitive behavioral and psychological disturbances, including agitation, psychosis (delusions and hallucinations), depression, and anxiety. NPS may predict more rapid functional decline and mortality risk, and may vary in severity over time. While there is no established treatment to manage NPS in dementia, non-pharmacological treatments are always recommended first, as they have been proven to enhance quality of life and offer little risk of aversive side effects. Pharmacological treatments should only be used if these therapeutic strategies don’t work, because available medications only modestly dampen symptoms, and have significant risks. More research in the field of NPS management in dementia will yield more conclusive results and standardized management/treatment plans that are more effective and safe.