Managing Behavioural & Psychological Symptoms of Dementia

Dementia

Dementia is a decrease in the cognitive functioning of our brains such as memory, language, learning, reasoning, perception, and attention. Advance cases of dementia can severely interfere day with daily functioning. Alzheimer’s is one of the leading causes of dementia. 

There are various types of dementia

 Vascular dementia is a second common one,

 in some cases, mixed dementia is also seen. 

Similar to the term “heart disease” dementia is also a grouped term for various conditions & diseases resulting in declining cognitive skills. They also hamper the behavioral & psychological functioning of the individual affecting the loved ones and family members. As per neurologists, some individuals are unable to control these emotional changes which can take a huge toll on their mental health. Although dementia is most commonly seen in older people, but it’s not right to consider it as part of aging. 

Dementia can cause a range of symptoms, but behavioral symptoms are difficult to manage.

Behavioural & Psychotic Symptoms Dementia (BPSD)

Non-cognitive or neuro-psychiatric symptoms require equal management to cognitive symptoms. They are present in almost all stages of dementia. BPSD symptoms are as clinically relevant as cognitive symptoms. These symptoms affect almost 90% of dementia patients during the course of their illness. The major cause behind BPSD is the deterioration of brain cells. However, some medications & environmental factors also influence and make them worst.

Early Stage Symptoms 

• Anxiety

• Irritation

• Depression

 

Later Stage Symptoms 

When dementia progress BPSD advances, some commonly found are listed below:

• Anger or aggression

• Restlessness

• Hallucination

• Delusion

• Emotional distress

• Sleep issues

• Physical or verbal outbursts 

• Hyperactivity

As per neurology specialist in Delhi an individual exhibiting any of the above symptoms should be treated immediately & sudden appearance of symptoms should receive thorough medical care. 

Triggers 

• Infection or medical illness

• Change in environment 

• Moving into a new place

• Hospitalization

One of the chief causes of these psychological symptoms is Alzheimer’s disease in the brain. In some cases, medication for the treatment of heart disease, cancer, blood pressure, or Parkinson’s disease can also cause psychotic symptoms.

Treatment 

Treatment & management of neuro-psychiatric symptoms starts with the proper diagnosis. The best neurologist in Delhi first makes an evaluation of the condition based on the current symptoms & medical history of the patient. 

A non-pharmaceutical approach is first used to reduce the ongoing symptoms, and in advance cases, anti-psychotic medications would be prescribed. Treatment may differ from individual to individual and for best guidance, one can consult with neurology specialist Dr. Mukesh Kumar from Max Super Specialty Hospital in Delhi.