Treatment of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia: a systematic review.

BPSD (Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms in Dementia) affects virtually all patients with dementia. The aim of this review is to present information on epidemiology, consequences and evidence-based non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatment approaches. The review also covers recent literature derived from a systematic literature Medline search on BPSD. Results indicate that BPSD are major risk factors for an earlier placement of affected individuals in nursing homes and a potentially more severe course of dementia over time. Treatment of BPSD is complex and includes both strategies.