Faculty, Staff and Student Publications
Language
English
Publication Date
12-1-2023
Journal
Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria
DOI
10.1055/s-0043-1777774
PMID
38157881
PMCID
PMC10756775
PubMedCentral® Posted Date
December 2023
PubMedCentral® Full Text Version
Post-print
Abstract
Neuropsychiatric or behavioral symptoms of dementia encompass a series of disorders, such as anxiety, depression, apathy, psychosis, and agitation, all commonly present in individuals living with dementia. While they are not required for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), they are ubiquitously present in all stages of the disease, contributing to negative clinical outcomes, including cognitive decline, functional disability, and caregiver burden. Neuropsychiatric symptoms have been conceptualized not only as risk factors but as clinical markers of decline along the AD spectrum. The concept of "mild behavioral impairment", the behavioral correlate of mild cognitive impairment, has been proposed within this framework. The first steps in the management of behavioral symptoms in AD involve defining the target and investigating potential causes and/or aggravating factors. Once these factors are addressed, non-pharmacological approaches are preferred as first-line interventions. Following the optimization of anticholinesterase treatments, specific pharmacological approaches (e.g., antidepressants, antipsychotics) can be considered weighing potential side effects.
Keywords
Humans, Alzheimer Disease, Mental Disorders, Antipsychotic Agents, Cognitive Dysfunction, Anxiety, Behavioral Symptoms
Published Open-Access
yes
Recommended Citation
Antonio Lucio Teixeira, Natalia Pessoa Rocha, and Jennifer Gatchel, "Behavioral or Neuropsychiatric Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease: From Psychopathology to Pharmacological Management" (2023). Faculty, Staff and Student Publications. 1536.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/uthmed_docs/1536