Difficult dementia: six steps to control problem behaviors.

Abstract

For patients with a confirmed diagnosis of dementia, your challenge is to promote a quality life during their remaining years. This task often includes managing problem behaviors. A systematic approach starts with pinpointing the nature of the specific behavior, reviewing possible physical and emotional stressors, and checking for coexisting affective or psychotic disorders. It often helps to reduce environmental stimulation and to simplify the patient's tasks. Drug therapy with an antipsychotic or benzodiazepine is indicated if a clear-cut behavioral strategy has not proven fully effective, the behavior has been well documented, and the behavior presents a clear danger to the patient or others or prevents necessary care from occurring.