Dementia (Cognitive Disorders)

Psychological and Pharmacological (Neuroleptics)

Treatment Summary: Neuropsychiatric symptoms fall into three main syndromes: agitation, psychosis, and mood disorders. These three syndromes produce symptoms ranging from aggression and irritability, to psychotic delusions and hallucinations, to full blown depression. The first priority is to build an environment for the patient's physical and psychological safety. Once patients' safety is established then pharmacological drugs, such as neuroleptics, are used to treat various types of dementia disorders. Alzheimer's disease is the primary foundation upon which dementia research is founded. Risperidone seems to be the best effect drug so far, although results for improvement are modest. Prognosis for recovery is limited at best.

• Reference: Ballard, C., Day, S., Sharp, S., Wing, G., & Sorenson, S. (2008). Neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia: Importance and treatment considerations. International Review of Psychiatry, Vol. 20(4), 396-404.
• Submitter: Tim Reynolds