Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD)
Even during the early stages of dementia, patients can display personality changes such as becoming more irritable, withdrawn or suspicious. Yet as the disease progresses, behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) appear. These include:
- Depression and apathy
- Agitation and aggression
- Disinhibition
- Psychosis
- Altered eating habits.
It is the above symptoms that families and carers find most distressing and they are the main reason for patients being admitted to care homes.
Talking point
Is the use of antipsychotics ever appropriate for the management of BPSD?