Optimising treatment and care for people with behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia: a best practice guide for health and social care professionals

Author:
ALZHEIMER'S SOCIETY
Publisher:
Alzheimer's Society
Publication year:
2011
Pagination:
26p.
Place of publication:
London

More than 90% of people with dementia will experience behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) as part of their illness. These symptoms include agitation, aggression, hallucinations and delusions. This guide has been designed to support health and social care professionals to determine the best treatment and care for people experiencing BPSD. It has been designed to be a practical, informative tool, with an emphasis on alternatives to drug treatment. Good practice recommendations, such as the NICE dementia guidelines, recommend psychosocial interventions as the first line approach and emphasise the importance of assessing medical conditions and pain, which often underpin the development of these symptoms. The value of not rushing into treatment is also important, as many people with BPSD will experience significant improvement or resolution of symptoms over a 4-6 week period. The toolkit provides 2 simple flow diagrams to be used depending on whether the person with dementia is already prescribed antipsychotics or not. The flow diagrams should be used to determine the best care and treatment for each person with dementia. The guidance, charts and care plans are colour-coded according to a traffic light system representing: prevention; watchful waiting; and specific interventions and antipsychotic prescription.

Subject terms:
older people, person-centred care, psychosocial intervention, challenging behaviour, dementia, drug prescription, good practice;
Location(s):
United Kingdom
Link:
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