Changed behaviours in dementia and appropriateness of medication use in residential aged care: Addressing research priorities of the Clinical Practice Guidelines for People with Dementia

Background
•A person with dementia is likely to experience “changed behaviours”
(e.g. agitation, depression)
•Frequently referred to as behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD)
•Behaviours often triggered by the unmet needs of the person that cause pain or distress

Clinical Practice Guidelines for Dementia in Australia
What do the guidelines say about changed behaviours?
“supportive and proactive approach”
“non-pharmacological approaches in the first instance”
“comprehensive assessment”
“pharmacological intervention should usually only be offered first if the person, their carer(s) or family is severely distressed, painis the suspected cause, or there is an immediate risk of harm to the person with dementia or others (i.e., very severe symptoms).”