Abstract

The behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia are very frequent, appearing during the evolution of the different types of dementia, generating stress for both the patient and their caregivers. They include a wide group of symptoms: agitation, irritability, aggression, hallucinations, delusions, depression, anxiety or insomnia, and need to make an individual assessment of each patient. The management of these situations requires non-pharmacological measures such as education of caregivers, physical and sensory stimulation or music therapy.

When these measures are not effective and the situation is stressful we must resort to pharmacological treatment. Different medications may be useful, but the most frequently used are antipsychotics. Having to start with low doses and evaluate efficacy and safety, and maintaining the necessary time to control the symptoms, and then schedule their progressive withdrawal.