[Psychopharmacological treatment of behavioral and psychological symptoms in dementia]

Abstract

Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are common and can dominate disease presentation. Antidepressions are commonly prescribed for depressive symptoms, but the evidence to support this practice is weak. The atypical antipsychotics risperidone and olanzepine have significant efficacy for the treatment of aggression and risperidone is also efficacious in the treatment of psychosis, but both with substantially increased risk of stroke. There are no newer studies of benzodiazepines in the treatment of anxiety and in old studies the efficacy are doubtful.