For patients with a confirmed diagnosis of dementia, your challenge is
to promote a quality life during their remaining years. This task oft
en includes managing problem behaviors. A systematic approach starts w
ith pinpointing the nature of the specific behavior, reviewing possibl
e physical and emotional stressors, and checking for coexisting affect
ive or psychotic disorders. It often helps to reduce environmental sti
mulation and to simplify the patient's tasks. Drug therapy with an ant
ipsychotic or benzodiazepine is indicated if a clear-cut behavioral st
rategy has not proven fully effective, the behavior has been well docu
mented, and the behavior presents a clear danger to the patient or oth
ers or prevents necessary care for occurring.