BEHAVIORAL COMPLICATIONS OF DEMENTIA - CAN THEY BE TREATED

Subjects over 65 with DSM-III-R dementia and living in the community ( with carers) who were General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) cases were re cruited. Subjects were assessed using the Mini Mental State Examinatio n and the Geriatric Mental State (GMS). Carers were interviewed using the GMS or the CIS (Clinical Interview Scale). Information was collect ed on behavioural disturbance in their relatives using the Present Beh avioural Examination; the most distressing behaviours were noted. A mu ltidisciplinary team generated an individualized plan aiming to reduce the most distressing behaviours, Couples were then randomized into gr oups 1 and 2. For group 1, plans were implemented over 16 weeks and th ey were then reassessed using the same rating scales as before (phase 1). They were followed up a further 16 weeks later to see if the benef its of intervention were sustained (phase 2). Group 2 were assessed af ter a period as waiting list controls (phase 1). Their plans were then implemented and they were reassessed (phase 2). There was an improvem ent in carer mental health and in the behavioural difficulties of the person with dementia for group 1; the two measures of outcome were ass ociated. For group 2, there was no improvement in either outcome measu re. The findings are discussed in relation to their relevance for clin ical practice.