1st February 2024

Background

BPSD- Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia are a very common presentation. This describes a range of challenging behaviours, psychological reactions and symptoms occurring due to the presence of dementia. It can be distressing to not only the individual with dementia but also their caregivers. 

It includes both non-cognitive and non-neurological features of dementia.

Epidemiology

It is so common that almost 8 to 9 out of 10 patients with dementia may experience BPSD. One third of patients with dementia live in a care home, and two-thirds of these people suffer from BPSD at any point in time. It is associated with excess disability and hospitalisation. This can increase financial costs.

Causes

As dementia progresses, these behavioural changes become obvious. There can be various reasons why someone could experience such changes:

• Worsening cognition
• Frustration about memory, confusion, language difficulties
• Disorientation to date and time can worsen behaviour
• Not being understood
• Not being in control of their life suddenly and not having the privilege of being with family and friends
• Unmet needs and inability to express their needs
• Physical health problems- very similar to causes mentioned above in Delirium
• Mental health problems- due to depression, psychosis
• Social needs- being bored and  altered day-to-day activities
• Reduced threshold to stress and easily distressed