Neuropsychiatric disturbances in dementia, also named behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), are highly prevalent in the clinical course of Alzheimer disease and related disorders. The clinical relevance of these manifestations is well recognized, being related to a poor clinical outcome, greater caregiver burden and to higher institutionalization rates, among others. This clinical conference attempts to respond to some questions related to this subject, in order to offer a brief update to the readers. The following topics are discussed: if the nomenclature BPSD is adequate for these clinical manifestations; how to classify and to diagnose these symptoms; how prevalent they are; which is their impact on the clinical course of the dementias and which are the risk factors associated to their emergence; which are their currently known pathophysiological basis; and, finally, which are the available pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, both for the patients and for their families and caregivers.
Dementia; behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia; treatment