MANAGEMENT OF PROBLEMATIC BEHAVIORAL SYMPTOMS ASSOCIATED WITH DEMENTIA - A COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENTAL-APPROACH

The purpose of this 3-year study was to test the efficacy of using a t heoretical model based on Piaget's cognitive developmental stages for consistent behavioral and environmental interventions for persons at a ll stages of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders (ADRD) in nursi ng home and special care units. The specific aims were to reduce probl ematic behavioral symptoms and the number, amount and frequency of use of psychotropic medications. After 18 months, problem behaviors and s ome types of psychotropic medications significantly decreased in the t reatment group but not in the control group. Results of the study indi cate that using behavioral and environmental interventions based on Pi aget levels of cognitive development may be an effective method of man aging problematic behavioral symptoms and decreasing the use of psycho tropic medications in institutionalized ADRD patients.