A Brief Overview on Management Guidelines for Behavioral and Psychotic Symptoms in Persons with Dementia

This paper seeks to review the common types of BPSD and gives a review of the evidence based on practice approaches to manage these challenging behaviours in clinical practice with relevance to the mental health act and practice in the United Kingdom. The study has systematically gathered contemporary evidence, the best practice guidelines for the management, treatment of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia and the various approaches including pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches. It aims to delineate the diverse behavioral patterns associated with several subtypes of dementia and provide a useful framework for doctors to handle these patterns.

Clinical empiricism is useful especially where evidence is lacking from controlled studies which don’t always replicate real world conditions. This involves a careful evaluation of the patients presentation, carer and environmental factors. Ultimately the aim is to deliver an individualized treatment plan modified by the environmental and individuals risk profile.