Intermediate
Technical
IVT
behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia
Non-cognitive manifestations of dementia including agitation, depression, psychosis, and sleep disturbances.
Full Definition
Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) encompass a wide range of non-cognitive symptoms that commonly occur in individuals with dementia. These may include agitation, aggression, wandering, depression, anxiety, delusions, hallucinations, sleep disturbances, and inappropriate sexual behavior. These symptoms can be more distressing to caregivers than cognitive symptoms and often lead to institutionalization. Management typically involves a combination of non-pharmacological interventions and, when necessary, carefully monitored psychotropic medications.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as BPSD in clinical documentation.
In Context
- "The care team developed a comprehensive plan to address the patient's behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia." — interdisciplinary meeting notes
- "Environmental modifications were implemented before considering pharmacological interventions for behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia." — nursing care plan
Also known as
neuropsychiatric symptoms
Contrasted with
cognitive symptoms
Don't confuse with
BPSD