Pharmacotherapy of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia: Timefor a different paradigm?

Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia can occur in 60-80% of pa tients with Alzheimer's disease or other dementing illnesses, and are impor tant in that they are a source of significant caregiver stress and often pr ecipitate nursing home placement. These symptoms, namely, aggression, delus ions, hallucinations, apathy, anxiety, and depression, are clinically manag ed with a variety of psychotropic drugs such as antipsychotics, antidepress ants, antiepileptic drugs, and benzodiazepines. Various advances in the neu ropathophysiology and pharmacotherapy must be considered in the optimal des ign of regimens for patients with these symptoms.