Managing Dementia-Related Neuropsychiatric Symptoms

This presentation will review common neuropsychiatric symptoms reported in clients with dementia.  A review of common pharmacologic agents used to treat these symptoms will be discussed. Tips for de-escalating someone with agitation will be reviewed and strategies to engage clients with dementia will be explored.

Objectives:

Participants will be able to:

  1. Identify at least two common triggers of dementia-related neuropsychiatric symptoms
  2. Recall at least two pharmacologic drug classes often used for dementia-related agitation.
  3. Name at least two considerations when using pharmacologic agents to manage neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with dementia.
  4. Offer at least two non-pharmacologic interventions to reduce neuropsychiatric symptoms in clients with dementia.