07.02.01.02.02. Assessment and management of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia | India

07.02.01.02.02. Assessment and management of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia | India

08 Jul 2022

Specialists are equipped to assess people with dementia that are exhibiting psychological symptoms and challenging behaviours. The Clinical Practice Guidelines published by the Indian Psychiatric Society (IPS) (initially in 2007 and revised in 2018) contains a protocol for identification and management of challenging behaviours through pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions (Shaji et al., 2018). For example, it provides an overview of the drugs recommended for management of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (Shaji et al., 2018).

Non-pharmacological interventions for behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia have been identified as a key intervention in dementia care. It is recommended for psychological interventions to be explored first before administering pharmacological therapies (Shaji et al., 2018). These psychological interventions have been found to work best when individually tailored to the patient (person-centred care) (Shaji et al., 2018). Cognitive stimulation programmes are beneficial in improving and maintaining the functionality for Activities of Daily Living (ADL). Other interventions like reality orientation and reminiscence therapy are also recommended (Shaji et al., 2018).

References:

Shaji, K.S., Sivakumar, P.T., Rao, G.P., Paul, N., (2018). Clinical Practice Guidelines for Management of Dementia. Indian J. Psychiatry 60, S312–S328. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5545.224472