HealthPathways SA - Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia

Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD), also sometimes called behaviours of concern, changed behaviours, or responsive behaviours, covers a wide range of non-cognitive symptoms and behaviours including:

• aggression
• agitation
• depression or anxiety
• sleep disorders e.g., insomnia
• repeatedly shouting out
• sexually inappropriate behaviours
• wandering
• psychosis e.g., hallucinations, paranoid delusions.

HealthPathways SA’s new Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia pathway clearly sets out current best practice for managing symptoms, highlights specific useful resources for practitioners and patients, and links to referral pages that detail local services and secondary care options.

"Up to 90% of dementia patients will have some form of behavioural and/or psychological symptoms of dementia during the course of their illness. These symptoms are responsible for more carer stress, institutionalisation, and use of healthcare resources than the cognitive symptoms of dementia”.

Dr Anna Billington, GP Clinical Editor HealthPathways SA

Appropriate management and person-centred care planning can have a significant effect on the quality of life of both the patient and their carers/support network.

If you are a health professional and would like to have access register now.

For more information please visit our Project Site or contact the team via [email protected].

HealthPathways SA is a partnership between SA Health, Adelaide PHN and Country SA PHN.